The Aberdeen Wings rolled to another weekend sweep this past weekend against the Fairbanks Ice Dogs in Marshall, MN. Wings forward and leading scorer Payton Matsui, 20, who grew up less than three hours away, continued his torrid January pace with another productive weekend as the Wings put up ten goals in two games.
The 5’8″, 160 lb. native of Lakeville, MN — and Alaska-Fairbanks commit — put up six points (2 goals, 4 assists) in the two wins and also had a +4 rating.
On Friday, Matsui assisted on both Wings goals in a 2-0 win. On Saturday, he scored two goals, including the game-winner and had two more assists in an 8-0 win.
For the season, Matsui is tied for the NAHL scoring lead with 14 goals and is tied for second in scoring with 32 points in 22 games played.
“Payton has been a game-changer for this year’s team,” Wings head coach and general manager Scott Langer said. “He plays with so much energy night in and night out. The way he prepares for each series is admirable and a huge part of his success. Payton once again led this team to a big weekend with his ability to play a 200-foot game, and be a key factor in all situations.”
Wings goalie Jake Sibell earns 2nd Star honors
Jake Sibell continues to refuse to let anything past him — Saturday’s win over Fairbanks marked his fourth consecutive shutout. He currently leads the league with an astonishing 1.01 goals-against average and an incredible .960 save percentage.
Sitting at a perfect 18-0 on the season in 19 games played, Sibell has refused points in eight of those matchups. Over the weekend, he stopped all 49 shots Fairbanks fired his way.