After a thrilling shootout victory on the road against the Bismarck Bobcats, the Aberdeen Wings returned home for a two-game series against the in-state rival Brookings Blizzard. The Wings, pushing for a playoff spot, would hail to battle against Brookings.
Just after puck drop, the over 1,400 Wings fans in attendance knew this would be a battle. Late in the first period, Wings forward #8 Drew Doyon (F-Indianapolis, IN) would find the net thanks to assists from #14 Collin Hughes (F-Lino Lakes, MN) and tendered forward #20 Josh Passolt (F-Hayward, WI). The Wings would outshoot Brookings 12-9 in the first period.
The 2nd period would be all Brookings. Though they would only score one goal at the 3:25 mark on the power play from Connor Hutchins, the Wings played much of the period on the penalty kill. Brookings outshot the Wings 14-8 in the period, but good play from Wings goaltender #35 Andrew Shortridge (G-Eagle River, AK) would hold the Blizzard to only one goal.
Tied 1-1 in the third period, Blizzard goaltender Ryan Kubic was solid stopping all 12 shots on goal. But the blow to the game for the Wings would come with one minute left in regulation when a shot from Blizzard defenseman Kristoffer Brun would fire past the Wings goaltender. The Wings would not be able to secure the puck and a quality shot opportunity at the end.
BUTLER-CAT HIT OF THE GAME
Aberdeen #22 Colin Raver (F-Bartlett, IL)
SD WHEATGROWERS STARS OF THE GAME
3rd Star – Aberdeen #20 Josh Passolt (F-Hayward, WI)
2nd Star – Aberdeen #14 Collin Hughes (F-Lino Lakes, MN)
1st Star – Aberdeen #8 Drew Doyon (F-Indianapolis, IN)
The Wings are at home Saturday night against the Blizzard. Following Saturday’s game, the Wings organization will auction off the white game-worn jerseys.