International Falls took its first step toward a three-peat Monday with a convincing 6-1 victory against Albert Lea in the first round of the 17th annual Kiwanis Hockey Festival in Rochester.

Jordan Christianson tallied a hat trick and added an assist, while Willie Corrin (goal, 2 assists) and Jon McDonald (3 assists) posted three points apiece. Alex Bruess finished with a goal and an assist and Dylan Farmer had a goal.

Glenn Walls picked up the win in net with 15 saves. John Wrolson and Harry Gjersvik combined to stop 19 shots for the Tigers.

There was no scoring in the third period.

The Broncos (6-4) take on Rochester Lourdes today in the semifinals. The Eagles (3-3-1) defeated Dodge County 6-0. In other scores, Richfield defeated La Crescent 7-3 and Mason City defeated Duluth Central 6-0.

I. Falls 6, Albert Lea 1

AL 0 1 0—1

IF 3 3 0—6

First period — IF, Dylan Farmer (Michael Bounds, Alex Bruess), 1:30; IF, Bruess (Willie Corrin), 14:53; IF, Jordan Christianson (Jon McDonald), 15:25.

Second period — IF, Christianson (Corrin, McDonald), 3:01; AL, Eric Carlson (David Enstad), 9:22; IF, Christianson (Christian Kittelson), 10:08; IF, Corrin (McDonald, Christianson), PP, 12:57.

Third period — No scoring.

Goalies — AL, John Wrolson and Harry Gjersvik, 19 saves; IF, Glenn Walls, 15 saves.