May 9, 2017

Wings win Central, punch final ticket to Robertson Cup

MAY 8, 2017

Colin Raver scored his team-leading 6th goal of the playoffs to lead the Aberdeen Wings to a 1-0 overtime win on Monday night, punching their ticket to the 2017 Robertson Cup.

Central Division Finals, Game 5: Aberdeen Wings 1 @ Minnesota Wilderness 0 (OT) – Although Wings forward Colin Raver had just 12 goals in the regular season, he has made the most of the Aberdeen Wings playoff run, as the 20-year-old forward potted his 6th goal of the playoffs to give the Wings a 1-0 overtime win on the road in Cloquet against the Minnesota Wilderness to claim the Central Division playoff crown and final spot in the 2017 NAHL Robertson Cup Championship.
The game was a showcase between the two goalies who faced plenty of shots. Both Aberdeen goalie Forbes Ploszaj and Wilderness goalie Trevor Micucci brought their A games to Game 5 as both made several incredible saves throughout the four periods.
The Wilderness had four power plays to try and gain the edge, but would come up empty. Likewise for the Wings and their two power plays of the night, including one in overtime where Micucci made several key stops.
In the end, the Wings, who had the more quality chances in overtime, were able to wear down the Wilderness with some nice cycling in the offensive zone as Tyler Bossert took the puck behind the net and threaded a pass out front where Raver was waiting all along for a one-timer that beat a helpless Micucci to the glove side for the game-winner and series clincher.
Aberdeen netminder Forbes Ploszaj made 46 saves for the shutout, while Trevor Micucci stopped 42 shots for the Wilderness. The Aberdeen Wings advance to the Roberston Cup this weekend in Duluth, and earn the title of Central Division Champions.
The Aberdeen Wings would like to thank both the Minot Minotauros and Minnesota Wilderness for fantastic seasons and for the class their organizations showed during the playoffs.  We look forward to representing the Central Division this weekend in the NAHL Robertson Cup Finals!
Aberdeen will face the Aston Rebels this Thursday in Duluth.  The game can be watched at Buffalo Wings & Rings in Aberdeen or on HockeyTV.com.  or you can listen to the game on 94.1 The Rock, HubCityRadio.com or the Hub City Radio App!