Friday night, the Aberdeen Wings hosted the Austin Bruins in Game 3 of the NAHL Central Division Playoffs at the Odde Ice Center. This was a must-win game for the Wings to stay alive in the playoffs down 2 games to Austin in a best-of-five series.
The first period would be all Austin. Luke Forfar and Brian Bachnak would find the net for the Bruins giving them a 2-0 lead. The game would remain physical as Coach Anzalone mentioned would happen in the pre-game interview with Wings Network broadcaster Jay Kleinknecht. In the second period, the Wings would finally get some separation and a clear look for a shot. Wings forward #17 Will Hammer (F-St. Cloud, MN) would score thanks to assists from #2 Ryan Cook (D-Lancaster, NY) and #23 Jackson Graalum (F-Fargo, ND).
The 2-1 lead would give the Wings a little extra “jam” in puck battles and crease battles. But at the 4:39 mark, the Bruins would jump to a 3-1 lead scoring on the face-off. But later at the 8:22 mark, #25 Tucker DeYoung (F-Lake Bluff, IL) would score on a beautiful play with assists from #16 Kyle Haak (F-Okemos, MI) and #10 Tanner Okeson (D-Roseau, MN). Just minutes later, down 3-2, the Wings would tie the game on another goal from #25 Tucker DeYoung, assists to #4 Eric Moser (D-Chicago, IL) and #13 Michael Soucier (F-Caledon, Ontario). The Wings would hold tight, defending shots and battling along the boards with the game tied 3-3. With two minutes left in regulation, Austin’s Nico Sturm would beat the goaltender for the go ahead goal. The Wings would leave the net empty and attempt to tie the game. Unfortunately, the Wings would run out of clock-time ending the 2014-2015 season.
BUTLER-CAT HIT OF THE GAME
Aberdeen #13 Michael Soucier (F-Caledon, Ontario)
SD WHEATGROWERS STARS OF THE GAME
3rd Star – Aberdeen #35 Andrew Shortridge (G-Eagle River, AK)
2nd Star – Aberdeen #17 Will Hammer (F-St. Cloud, MN)
1st Star – Aberdeen #25 Tucker DeYoung (F-Lake Bluff, IL)