Friday Finals: Minot Wins it in Overtime After a Scoreless 60 Minutes of Regulation

Photo Credit: Patty Bockoven

Elmira 1 @ Danbury 3 - The Elmira Aviators went on the road to take on the Danbury Hat Tricks. In the opening period, the Hat Tricks would score the lone goal to take the early lead. Willem Kerr scored the goal with an assist from Liam Young and Peter Freel. In the second period, the Aviators would find the equalizer with a power-play goal from Maximus McGruire, which was unassisted. The Hat Tricks would answer back with an unassisted goal of their own from Kai Mencel to take a 2-1 lead. In the final period, the Hat Tricks would score the only goal to win the game 3-1. Kai Elkie put it in the back of the net, Ben Dempster and Ludovik Gauvin being credited with the assist. The Danbury Hat Tricks defend their home field advantage with a 3-1 win over the Elmira Aviators.

Philadelphia 2 @ New Jersey 3 (SO) - The Philadelphia Rebels went on a short trip East to take on the New Jersey Titans. In the opening period, the Rebels would take an early lead with a goal from Justin Vlassis, Jake Schultz, and Luke Janvirya getting the assist. The Rebels would then extend their lead to two with a power-play goal from Broxton Ingle, Mikey Conlon and Jordan Brothers getting the assist. In the second period, the Titans would get on the board with a power-play goal of their own, Skogen Schrott scoring the goal and being assisted by Nathan Walsh and Hudson Slenker. In the final period, the Titans would score on another power-play goal from Skogen Schrott once again, Arseniy Zharikov and Blake Jones picking up the assist. That goal would force overtime where both teams went scoreless, leading to a shootout. The Rebels' first shot from Ty Simonet was saved by Titans keeper Andrei Nikolaev. Their second shot was scored by Alex Lunski, and their final shot was missed by Brayton Frick. Both of the Titans' shots were scored against Rebels keeper Ilja Nikitins. Tate Pecknold and Kristofers Krumings scored the goals. The Titans defeat the Rebels 3-2 in a shootout.

Rochester 3 @ New Hampshire 2 (OT) - The Rochester Jr. Americans went on the road to take on the New Hampshire Mountain Kings. In the opening period, the Jr. Americans would score the opening and only goal of the first period to take an early 1-0 lead. Owen King scored an unassisted tally. In the second period, neither team made a whole lot of noise until there were 15 seconds left. Alexander Duhon scored to tie the game up for the Mountain Kings, Thomas Quast and Mikhail Cherepanov getting the assist. In the final period, the Mountain Kings would score again to take the lead for the first time, Kaden Rehberger scoring, assisted by McCarthy Richardson and Thomas Quast getting his second assist of the game. With just four minutes left, Owen King would knock another one in for the Jr. Americans to force overtime, Ryan Shaw with the assist. In overtime, Ryan Shaw would get the unassisted goal to win the game for the Jr. Americans. The Jr. Americans defeat the Mountain Kings on the road 3-2 in overtime.

Maryland 4 @ Northeast 1 - The Maryland Black Bears secured a road victory, defeating the Northeast Generals with a final score of 4-1. After a scoreless first period, the Black Bears got on the board first with a power-play goal from Tanner Duncan. The Generals responded with a power-play goal of their own with 35 seconds remaining in the second to tie the game heading into the second intermission. In the third, the Black Bears completely took over, scoring three unanswered goals, including one into the empty net. Cole Peters, Tanner Duncan, and Harrison Smith were the highlights of this game, each contributing two points. This strong road performance confirms the Maryland Black Bears remain winning and are a top contender with a 25-3-2-1 record, while the Northeast Generals continue struggling against the division's best teams.

Johnstown 4 @ Maine 2 - The Johnstown Tomahawks secured a road victory, defeating the Maine Nordiques with a final score of 4-2. The Tomahawks opened the scoring in the first period with a goal from Sean Leetch despite being outshot 14-9 in the first frame. The shot count was the exact same for both teams in the second period as in the first, but both teams found the back of the net twice, with three of the four total goals scored being on the power-play. Despite the Nordiques outshooting the Tomahawks 36 to 25 shots on goal, Johnstown's special teams were a decisive factor, converting on two of their three power-play opportunities. The Tomahawks sealed the victory in the third period with an empty-net goal from William Stewart. This win helps the Johnstown Tomahawks improve their record to 13-11-4-0, while the Maine Nordiques are unable to improve upon their already strong 18-8-1-1 record. 

Minnesota W 8 @ Chippewa 2 - The Minnesota Wilderness delivered a dominant road performance, crushing the Chippewa Steel with a final score of 8-2. The Wilderness took an early 2-0 lead in the first period and never looked back, scoring three more goals in the second period to take a commanding lead. Special teams contributed to the success, as Kevin Lysohir converted a power-play opportunity in the second period. Minnesota maintained heavy offensive pressure throughout the game, ending the night with a significant advantage in SOG, 36 to 25. Despite the Steel managing to score two goals, including a late short-handed goal by Austin Boyce, they could not compete with the Wilderness's powerful attack. This decisive victory confirms that the Minnesota Wilderness remains winning and is a strong contender with a 17-6-1-1 record, while the Chippewa Steel continues struggling near the bottom of the standings.

Watertown 2 @ Austin 5 - The Austin Bruins secured a decisive home victory, defeating the Watertown Shamrocks with a final score of 5-2. After a scoreless first period, the Bruins dominated the second and third periods, dominating the Shamrocks in both shots and goals. Special teams were a significant factor for the Bruins, as they converted on two of their four power-play opportunities, with goals from Matsvei Marshchanok, Gavin Hruza, and EJ Paddington. The Bruins applied relentless offensive pressure throughout the night, ending the game with a massive 54 shots on goal compared to Watertown's 27 shots on goal. Siamion Marshchanok had a huge night, scoring the empty-net goal at the end of the game and assisting on the other four goals that the Bruins scored tonight. This decisive performance confirms that the Austin Bruins remain winning and are a top contender with a 16-6-2-1 record, while the Watertown Shamrocks continue struggling to stay above .500.

Fairbanks 2 @ Janesville 1 - The Janesville Jets hosted the Fairbanks Ice Dogs for their second matchup of the season. Fairbanks was coming into the game off a two-game losing streak, while the Jets had lost their previous game. In the first period, the Ice Dogs scored on their power play, with forward Mack Diggins scoring at 8:22. The Ice Dogs would score again with 48 seconds left in the period with a goal by forward Matthew Volkman to end the first period with a 2-0 lead. In the second period, the Jets decreased Fairbanks’ lead with a goal by forward Joseph Hyten at 10:43 and ended the period 1-2 for Janesville. No goals would be scored in the third period, and the Ice Dogs took the win 2-1. Miles Roberts started in the net for Fairbanks and made 26 saves on 27 shots. Kaenan Smith started in net for the Jets and made 24 saves on 26 shots.

Corpus Christi 2 @ Amarillo 3 - The Amarillo Wranglers hosted the Corpus Christi IceRays for their first matchup of the season. The Wranglers were coming into the game off a two-game win streak, and the IceRays were looking to extend their five-game win streak. The IceRays would open up the scoring in the first with a goal by forward Jonathon Pylypuik at 10:37. The Wranglers would tie up the score with a goal by forward Ty Izadi with a little over two minutes remaining in the first. No goals would be scored in the second period, and the score remained tied at one each going into the third. In the third period, the Wranglers pulled forward with the lead with goals scored by forward Daniel Rassega at 18:33, and Izadi for his second of the game at 15:37. IceRays forward Easton Swift scored a goal at 1:20. The IceRays would also pull their goaltender for the extra attacker, however, they were unable to tie up the game and the Wranglers won 3-2. Charles Antoine-Girard started in the net for Amarillo and made 35 saves on 37 shots. Xander Miceli started in net for the IceRays and made 23 saves on 26 shots.

Oklahoma 0 @ Odessa 5 - The Odessa Jackalopes hosted the Oklahoma Warriors for their third matchup of the season. The Jackalopes had won their previous two matchups and were coming into the game against Oklahoma hoping to break their three-game losing streak. Oklahoma, on the other hand, was looking to extend its two-game winning streak. In the first period, the Jackalopes would capitalize on two back-to-back power plays, with forward Caden Ghiossi scoring on the first at 12:44, and forward Alex Thomas scoring on the second at 11:22. One minute later, Jackalopes forward Henry Thornton would score the team’s third goal to end the first period with a 3-0 lead over the Warriors. Odessa forward Gabe Pankratz scored the only goal of the second period at 18:39, and Ghiossi scored his second of the game at 16:10 in the third period to give the Jackalopes the 5-0 win over Oklahoma. Kevin Jones started in net for Odessa and shut out the Warriors, saving all 25 shots. Jakob Hanlan started in net for Oklahoma and saved six of eight shots before being pulled for Billy Stuski, who closed out the game with 26 saves on 29 shots.

North Iowa 2 @ Bismarck 5 - The Bismarck Bobcats hosted the North Iowa Bulls for the teams’ third matchup of the season. Both teams won one apiece in their matchups against each other so far. In the first period, when the Bobcats were on the power play, Bulls forward Joe Coghlin was able to score a short-handed goal at 7:58. On the Bobcats’ next power play, however, forward Cooper Williams was able to capitalize and score a goal at 6:00. The Bobcats would proceed to score two more goals in the first, from forward Camden Pantekoek at 5:01 and forward Camden Alemond at 1:02, to end the first period 3-1 against North Iowa. In the second period, the Bulls forward Denis Kuzmenkov scored the only goal of the period, 10 seconds in, to make it a one-goal game. In the third period, Bobcats forward Cooper Williams scored a goal at 7:38. The Bulls would pull their goaltender in the remaining minutes of the period in an attempt to tie up the game; however, Bobcats forward Charlie Kresl would score an empty netter at 1:21 to end the game with a 5-2 win for the Bobcats. Dane Callaway started in the net for Bismarck and made 25 saves on 27 shots. Harry Byers started in net for North Iowa and made 20 saves on 24 shots.

Minnesota M 1 @ Aberdeen 8 - The Aberdeen Wings completed an offensive masterclass in their 8-1 victory over the Minnesota Mallards at the Odde Ice Center. After an explosive first period, the Mallards simply could not keep up with Aberdeen and their intense shooting gallery. The Wings wasted no time opening this game up when a loose puck weaseled its way into the back of the net after a funny bounce off the boards. Just three minutes later, Easton Edwards picked up a loose puck off the face-off and buried the second goal of the evening. Mitch Vanderway scored the first and only Mallard goal of the night after he was able to squeak the puck in from the side of the net. With four minutes remaining in the first, Jibber Kuhl put a shot on net from the point that found its way past the goaltender to give the Wings a 3-1 lead heading into the first intermission. Just two minutes into the second, Sam Scheetz sniped the far side of the net for his second goal of the night for the Wings, and then it was Price Grimes following up to extend the lead to 5-1. With just six seconds left in the second frame, Grimes scored yet again on another excellent shot from the point, and the Wings headed into the third period with a 6-1 lead. Around the midpoint of the third period, it was Anthony Ciaramitaro scoring the seventh Aberdeen tally of the game, and Keaton Weis scored number eight to end the contest. This game was simply a show for the Wings. 41 shots to the Mallards 28, some solid goaltending, and shutdown defense rolled out the red carpet for the Aberdeen victory.

New Mexico 1 @ Lone Star 2 - The Lone Star Brahmas snuck out a gritty win against the visiting New Mexico Ice Wolves. Both teams played fundamental defense, but it was the Brahmas who managed to leave with the victory. The Ice Wolves got the night started in NYTEX Sports Centre when Tyler Hess scored his first goal of the season on an excellent wrist shot from the slot. The Brahmas took some time to respond, but it was Christian Venticinque that evened the score on the man advantage. This tie lasted almost the entire length of the second period until Nolan Wildfong buried the cross crease pass for his first goal in the NAHL. After falling down 1-0 to start the game, the Brahmas shifted the momentum and entered the second intermission with a 2-1 lead that persisted until the final buzzer. With how well both teams were defending, this low-scoring contest required one of the two teams to make a mistake for the opposing team to leverage. In this case, it was a late penalty in the first period that allowed the Brahmas to even the score and eventually win the game.

St. Cloud 0 @ Minot 1 (OT) - For the fans who like to watch gritty, hard hockey, this game is for you. The Minot Minotauros managed to leave with the victory in overtime on the lone goal of the game. As mentioned, it took 61 minutes and 30 seconds to find the first goal of the game. Throughout the regulation, Minot won the shots on goal battle 32-23 and seemed to be catching a goalie on a hot night. For the Norsemen, they simply could not find meaningful and lasting pressure in the offensive zone. Regardless, this game needed a hero, and this time around it was Evan Foiles scoring the game-winning goal in overtime with Michael Solominsky and Arseni Vorobyov picking up the assists. Hats off to both netminders in this contest. Norsemen goalkeeper Beck Liden, despite having a stellar night, found his adversary in the opposing crease on a great night of his own. Ultimately, it was Brian Cooke and the Minotauros that took this game down.

Anchorage 5 @ Wisconsin 4 - Despite a near comeback, the Anchorage Wolverines managed to secure the win on the road against the Wisconsin Windigo. This contest featured some top-tier offensive performances and a whole lot of heart, but it ended up being the Wolverines in the win column. The Wolverines got the night started when Nikolai Meshkantsov buried the puck into a wide-open cage. Minutes later, Brendan Finley ripped the puck top shelf to even the score for Wisconsin, but the tie could not last for the remainder of the period as Cole Frawner scored with four minutes left in the first. Just a minute into the second period, Devin Berg scored his fourth goal of the year to even up the score yet again. Anchorage then took advantage of the power play when Andrew Karkoc wired the puck home to take the lead yet again. Anchorage continued to extend its lead thanks to a snipe from Jason Bourdukosky, and they entered the third period with a 4-2 lead. Just minutes into the third, Jack McKenna put on the golden mitts and got in behind the goaltender to score the fifth Wolverine goal. The Windigo responded when Hickok buried a shot from long range just 16 seconds later. With a minute left and a two-goal lead to hack away at, Maxwell Bennett scored a clutch goal to give Wisconsin some more life. Ultimately, Anchorage held on and won 5-4. Clearly, neither team struggled to generate offense. For the Wolverines, they did a great job of spreading out the offense and giving each line an opportunity to contribute both on and off the stat sheet.

Shreveport 4 @ El Paso 0 - The Shreveport Mudbugs waltzed into El Paso County Event Center and left with a 4-0 victory. A shutout from Tyler Hodges and some stellar offensive production, the El Paso Rhinos stood no chance against the Mudbugs. Evan Hoglund got the night started in El Paso after he collected a great pass from Jason Simons in front of the net. With a 1-0 lead heading into the second period, the Mudbugs looked to capitalize, and they did. Duke Ehrhard started that trend with a redirected shot from the point, and just a minute later, it was Chase Secriskey who contributed to the Mudbugs' lead. Shreveport continued to lay it on thanks to Ehrhard burying his second of the game, and the 4-0 lead persisted until the final buzzer. A lot of shutouts usually have some defensive contribution, meaning generally low shot totals, or at least quality shot totals. Although the Mudbugs did not play poor defense, they certainly allowed a healthy number of shots to the net, 28 to be exact. Thankfully for them, Hodges stood strong in the net, and the Mudbugs secured the victory.