The Aberdeen Wings took to their home ice Friday night against the Minot Minotauros in North American Hockey League action. The crowd was great and loud, 1,432 strong.
The first period was scoreless, but the Aberdeen Wings peppered Minotauros goaltender Merrick Madsen (G-Acton, CA). The Wings outshot Minot in the first period 15-4. The Wings were unable to capitalize on two power plays, but the intensity of the game was set by Aberdeen.
The second period would feature some goals finally. At 2:23 mark, Minot’s Holmquist would score giving the Minotauros the 1-0 lead. Immediately following the goal, words were exchanged by both teams resulting in a face-off fight. Wings forward #8 Drew Doyon (F-Indianapolis, IN) would square off with Minot’s Iverson and land big blows before dropping him to the ice. The momentum would swing into the Wings advantage as #4 Jake Horton (D-Plymouth, MN) would blast his 15th goal of the season on a slap shot. Assist would go to #21 Bjorn Sigurdarson (F-Reykjavik, Iceland) who made his return to the Wings after playing the 2014 World Junior Championships for his home country Iceland. Towards the end of the period, Minot would get another goal making it 2-1. The Wings managed to still outshoot Minot 12-7 in the second period.
The third period would be a back and forth battle for puck possession. The Wings would get a couple of opportunities, but the puck just wouldn’t bounce their way. In the final seconds, the Wings would really push to get shots on goal but would come up short losing 2-1.
BUTLER-CAT HIT OF THE GAME
Aberdeen – #8 Drew Doyon (F-Indianapolis, IN)
3rd STAR – #18 Austin Swingle (F-Sartell, MN)
2nd STAR – #21 Bjorn Sigurdarson (F-Reykjavik, Iceland)
1st STAR – #4 Jake Horton (D-Plymouth, MN)
The Aberdeen Wings host the Minot Minotauros again Saturday night at the Odde Ice Center. Doors will open at 5:30 with puck drop at 7:15pm. Saturday night dress up and wear wild, fun accessories for a dance competition during the 1st intermission. Also, following the game it’s Skate With Wings.