Minotauros Make Statement to Close Out 2024
Adam Mahler (top) had a three point night for Minot while Austin Richards (bottom) registered a hat trick for Odessa
Northeast 5 @ Johnstown 4 - The Northeast Generals were able to grab a series split with the Johnstown Tomahawks as they took a 5-4 decision on Tuesday night. The teams went blow for blow in the second period as six goals were scored in just under nine minutes in a spirited affair. Rich Rucireto, Spencer Hirsch and Joseph McGraw all scored in the frenzy for Northeast. Thomas Weekes, Sam Blanton and Nick White responded for the Tomahawks. Charlie Zetterkvist added another goal for Johnstown before the teams went into the second intermission. In the third period John Halverson scored to even the game for the Generals with WIlliam-Francisco Parent netting the game winner with just 44 seconds left in regulation. Ryan Nolan closed the evening with 22 saves. Nick Avakyan was given the loss despite stopping 30 shots for Johnstown.
Shreveport 2 @ Lone Star 3 - Charlie Emmons third period goal was the difference as Lone Star edged Shreveport on New Years Eve. Cooper Faughnan scored his first of the season with Owen Kerr following up with his 10th just 18 seconds later. Seth Murch would bring Shreveport within one just a couple minutes later and it would be a 2-1 game after 20 minutes of action. Jonah Jasser netted his first of the year in the second period to even the game at two apiece. After nearly a full of 20 minutes of scoreless hockey Charlie Emmons buried a rebound in front of the Shreveport cage and it would go on to be the game winner for the Brahmas. Ryan Cameron was the winner in goal as he stopped 20 of the 22 shots he faced. Nikola Goich was saddled with the loss as he made 32 saves.
Odessa 6 @ Amarillo 3 - The Odessa Jackalopes went into Amarillo and got the job done as they doubled up the Wranglers by a score of 6-3. Austin Richards netted himself a hat trick and added an assist while Nick Metelkin had a goal and three helpers of his own in the victory. David Hamr notched three assists while Jordan Larkee and Marcus Fechko each lit the lamp for Odessa. Trace Day potted a pair of goals for the Wranglers while Corson Maguire also got on the scoresheet for the home squad. William Karphed got the victory in the blue paint with 33 saves. Charles-Antoine Girard finished the evening with 34 saves.
Minot 6 @ Bismarck 1 - It was all Minot all night long as they closed the 2024 calendar year with a big win over their rival, the Bismarck Bobcats. Six different goal scorers lifted Minot to victory. Adam Mahler had a goal and two assists. Jack O’Hanisain and Gavin Middendorf each had a goal and an assist for Minot. Jesse Juhola, John Small and Connor Thue all got on the scoreboard for Minot as well. Keanu Krenn had the lone goal for Bismarck. Lukas Swedin was nearly perfect as he ended the night with 27 saves. Tomas Anderson and Kai Weigel teamed up to make 21 stops for the Bobcats.
El Paso 4 @ New Mexico 3 - 24 hours after blowing a four goal lead, the El Paso Rhinos were determined to not let it happen again. They would be successful at holding on to the lead as they held on to win on Tuesday night 4-3. Owen ORear scored a pair of goals while Beckett Hinchsliff and Ty Gordon also found the back of the net as the Rhinos took a 4-0 lead to the final period. Jake Kasay got his first NAHL goal just about seven and a half minutes into the third before Ethan Hall and Andrew Earl made things interesting in the final minutes, bringing the score to 4-3. That’s as close as they would get as El Paso and Matthew DellaRusso closed the door late to preserve the victory. DellaRusso got the win in goal with 31 saves. Gavin Schahn ended his night with 15 stops.
