If you watched the USA vs. Canada semi-final game in the 2014 Olympics on Friday morning, you saw two of the best teams in the world compete against each other. It was practically an NHL all-star game, but rather than playing for entertainment these players battled for the opportunity to play in the gold medal game. The pride and heart of the two highest scoring teams in the Olympics, left it decided by a single goal…
…Canada won 1-0.
Friday night, the Aberdeen Wings (27-17-3, 57pts) currently in 3rd place were on the road against the Austin Bruins (29-17-1, 59pts) currently in 2nd place. Both teams are chasing the Bismarck Bobcats (28-15-4, 60pts).
In the first period, the Bruins would get on the board at the 7:36 mark with a goal from Jake Arroyo. The teams would constantly battle for puck possession, keeping shots on goal fairly even. Aberdeen had 9 shots, Austin 8.
Shots on goal in the second period would be close again, Aberdeen 7, Austin 6. Both teams would get a power play opportunity in the period but not capitalize. 1-0, Austin at the end of the 2nd period.
The third period would start with Aberdeen getting on the board to tie it up. #11 TJ Roo (F-Coon Rapids, MN) would battle for the puck in the center of their scoring zone sending it on goal sneaking past Austin’s goaltender. 1-1, the goal would be assisted by #15 Jordan Heller (F-Bemidji, MN) and #16 Kyle Haak (F-Okemos, MI). Austin would proceed to try and get the game winner in front of the reported 700 Bruins fans in attendance. Throughout the third period, Austin would outshoot the Wings 15-8. The game would end a 1-1 tie.
To start the 4-on-4 overtime period, the Bruins would get an up-ice pass to sneak by the Wings while Bruins forward Guillaume Leclerc would score 1-on-1 to give Austin the win, 2-1.
Despite the loss, the Wings got great goaltending from #30 Henry Dill (G-Columbus, OH) stopping 28 of 29 shots in regulation.
BUTLER-CAT HIT OF THE GAME
Aberdeen – #4 Jake Horton (D-Plymouth, MN)
SOUTH DAKOTA WHEATGROWERS STARS OF THE GAME
3RD STAR – Aberdeen – #15 Jordan Heller (F-Bemidji, MN)
2ND STAR – Aberdeen – #11 TJ Roo (F-Coon Rapids, MN)
1ST STAR – Aberdeen – #30 Henry Dill (G-Columbus, OH)
The Aberdeen Wings are back on the ice in Austin on Saturday night to try and gain back some ground on the Bruins. The Bismarck Bobcats lost to last-place Brookings 4-2 on Friday night, dropping them to 2nd place.
NAHL CENTRAL
1. Austin Bruins (30-17-3, 61pts)
2. Bismarck Bobcats (28-16-4, 60pts)
3. Aberdeen Wings (27-17-4, 58pts)
4. Minot Minotauros (19-27-3, 41pts)
5. Brookings Blizzard (14-28-7, 35pts)