New Year’s Eve. The countdown on the clock has never meant more to the Aberdeen Wings than it has all year. The game clock that is. As the Wings skated off the ice in Bismarck, they rang in the New Year with a 2-1 victory and reclaim of 2nd place in the NAHL Central Division.
Tuesday night, the Aberdeen Wings traveled to Bismarck to take on the Bobcats in North American Hockey League action. Bismarck entered the game with 41 points and the 2nd place slot in the central division, while Aberdeen held 40 points and a fire to regain their position on top the division board behind Austin.
The Bismarck Bobcats really went on the offensive attack out shooting the Wings 40-22. Wings goaltender #1 Chad Catt (G-Williamstown, MI) stopped 39 of 40 shots, giving up the Bobcats lone goal to Tony German who chipped in a rebound off a Huba Sekesi shot.
Wings defenseman #4 Jake Horton (D-Plymouth, MN) would score both of Aberdeen’s goals. In the second period, down 1-0, Horton flash up the ice and beat Bismarck’s goaltender Nelson to tie up the game. Assists would be credited to #21 Bjorn Sigurdarson (F-Reykjavik, Iceland) and #20 Dillon Eichstadt (D-Bemidji, MN).
In the third period, under two minutes to play, the Aberdeen Wings would shuffle the puck around as #3 Daniel Billett (D-Highlands Ranch, CO) would blast a shot. The rebound would be left for #12 Austin Heakins (F-Pittsburgh, PA) to hammer home the goal and eventually the win. Originally, the goal was reported as scored by Horton but after the NAHL reviewed the goal it was awarded to Heakins, who just made his return to the ice after missing most of the season with an injury. Assists on the goal would go to #3 Daniel Billett and #2 Ryan Cook (D-Buffalo, NY). The final 90-seconds would be a 6-on-5 intense battle as Bismarck would pull their goalie for an extra skater. Catt and the Aberdeen Wings would hold off the final efforts for a 2-1 win and would reclaim 2nd place in the NAHL Central Division.
SOUTH DAKOTA WHEATGROWERS STARS OF THE GAME
3rd Star – Aberdeen – #12 Austin Heakins (F-Pittsburgh, PA)
2nd Star – Aberdeen – #4 Jake Horton (D-Plymouth, MN)
1st Star – Aberdeen – #1 Chad Catt (G-Williamstown, MI)
The Aberdeen Wings return to the Odde Ice Center this Friday and Saturday to take on the Austin Bruins, with only one point separating the two at the top of the NAHL Central Division. General admission tickets are available for $10, reserved seating for $12. For just $15, you can get a barstool in the corporate area plus a drink ticket, the best seats in the barn! Pre-order your barstool tickets (a limit of 20 sold) by calling 218-820-5049.