Friday Finals: Jets punch ticket to Robertson Cup Playoffs
Fairbanks and NAHL Top Prospects goalie Josh Benson stopped all 21 shots in regulation and overtime and then 9 of 10 shooters in the shootout to give Fairbanks their 22nd straight win.
Coulee Region 1 @ Janesville 2 - The Janesville Jets punched their postseason ticket as they knocked off the Coulee Region Chill 2-1. Jack Vincent and Kip Hoffman were the goal scorers for the Jets. Daniel Lebedeff shined in goal as he allowed just one goal on 26 shots. Connor Zilisch potted the only goal for the Chill while Emil Zetterquist was stuck with the loss despite making 40 saves.
New Jersey 4 @ Philadelphia 2 - The New Jersey Titans doubled up the Philadelphia Rebels as the Titan’s offense was led by Justin Bofshever had a goal and assist. Gavin Gulash, Kyler Head and Nick Boyagian also score for New Jersey in the victory. Brandon Perrone got the win In goal as he made 20 saves. Jimmy Glynn scored both goals for Philadelphia to give him six on the year. Eli Billing took the loss as he made 21 saves.
Fairbanks 1 @ Lone Star 0 (SO) - With the league’s top two goaltenders going head to head, it’s no surprise that neither team could find the back of the net through 65 minutes. In the shootout, Robert Blueger was able to sneak one past Gibson and give his team the 1-0 victory. Fairbanks has now won 22 consecutive games and by making 21 saves in regulation and nine in the shootout, Josh Benson picked up his league leading 23rd win and his fourth shutout. Gibson was spectacular as well, he made 20 saves and stopped eight of 10 shooters in the shootout.
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton 1 @ Johnstown 4 - A thee point effort from Samuel Solensky led the Johnstown Tomahawks to a 4-1 win over their division rivals. Joe Kile picked up a goal and an assist while Ben Schmidling and Roman Kraemer also lit the lamp. Jack Leavy was superb in net as he denied 32 shots. Jack Olmstead scored the only goal for the Knights and Christian Stoever made 34 saves in the loss.
MN Magicians 2 @ Springfield 3 (OT) - 24 hours after falling to the Magicians in overtime, the Springfield Jr. Blues returned the favor as they won game two of the three game series 3-2. Brandon Puricelli scored the game winning goal just 29 seconds into the sudden death period. Fletcher Fineman had a goal and an assist in the victory while Max Brainin also scored for the Jr. Blues. Evan Fear grabbed the win between the pipes as he made 33 saves. Andrew Kruse and Matthew Stanton each scored a goal for the Magicians, Isaiah Saville made 33 saves as well.
Minot 1 @ Austin 2 - Two second period goals was all the Austin Bruins needed on Friday night as they outlasted the Minotauros 2-1. Xander Lamppa had a goal and an assist while Jaden Shields buried the game winner. Mads Sogaard took home the win as he made 26 saves. Ondrej Pavel netted the only goal for Minot and Samu Lonkila made 31 saves.
MN Wilderness 2 @ Brookings 3 (SO) - For the third consecutive time, 65 minutes was not enough for these two teams as they went to yet another shootout. This time, however, it was the Blizzard taking home the extra point as Adam Brizgala stopped all three shooters he faced. Derek Hammer and Gabriel Wahl scored in regulation for the Blizzard, Brizgala added 34 saves. Gino Lucia had a goal and an assist while C.J. Regula netted a goal in regulation as well. Jacob Sibell made 22 saves but could not stop Connor Koviak in the shootout and that proved to be the game winner.
Amarillo 4 @ Corpus Christi 0 - The Amarillo Bulls are trying to keep their playoff dreams within reach and they were successful on Friday night, blanking Corpus Christi 4-0. Alex Peterson found the back of the net twice. Trey Bagwell and Nick Stuckless also tickled the twine. Jason Grande turned aside all 24 shots that came his direction as he picked up his fifth shutout of the season. Chad Veltri made 31 saves for the IceRays in the loss.
Kenai River 1 @ Shreveport 5 - It was all Mudbugs from start to finish as the top team in the South cruised to a 5-1 win over Kenai River. Jake Transit had a goal and two assists. Ryan Burnett and Cameron Cook each scored a goal and dished out an assist. Jaxon Castor was great once again, allowing just one goal on 18 shots. Emils Ezitis scored against his former club and Gavin Enright made 23 saves.
Aberdeen 2 @ Bismarck 4 - The Bismarck Bobcats took down the Central Division leading Aberdeen Wings by a score of 4-2. Cooper Haar, Alex Trombley, Sam Malinski and Michael Mahan all found the back of the net for the Bobcats. John Roberts was on his game as he made 44 saves, Bismarck was able to pick up two points despite being outshot 46-17. Adam Pitters picked up a goal and an assist while Colton Fletcher also lit the lamp. Matt Vernon made 14 saves.
