The Aberdeen Wings hosted a pair of North Dakota opponents this past weekend at the Odde where they hoped to end their losing streak. Friday night the Wings welcomed the Bismarck Bobcats to town, on a day that ended up being less about hockey and more about celebrating the life of former Wing Zach Kraft, who passes away earlier in the day after battling brain cancer. After an emotional tribute to start the game the Wings came out firing but puck luck was not on their side. In the first period Aberdeen outshot the Bobcats 17-13 but it was Bismarck who went into the locker room with a 3 goal lead. The two teams would go scoreless through the 2. Tyler Bossert would get the Wings on the board late in the 3rd, with assists going to Gavin Payne and Jake Leitner, but it would prove to be to little to late as Bismarck would add an empty netter and leave the Hub City with a 4-1 win.
Saturday Minot came to town and brought their Central Division leading record with them. Aberdeen would be the ones to jump out early when Jackson Graalum sniped one from the top of the circle, assist on the goal went to Tanner Okeson. Minot showed why they are on top of the standings though as they were able to get 2 late goals and go into the 1st intermission with a 2-1 lead. Gavin Payne would tie the game just 24 seconds into the 2nd period with the assists going to Ryan Cook and Tyler Bossert. The game would stay tied until midway through the 3rd when Minot retook the lead. Jake Leitner would add some late game heroics knotting the game with just minutes left on the clock with Bossert and Okeson assisting. The game would go into overtime and eventually a long shootout, but it would be Minot getting the final goal to leave town with the 2 points. Aberdeen would get 1 point on the weekend for sending the game to extra time. After the game the Wings hosted their annual specialty jersey auction. This year’s auction went to help support The American Federation for Suicide Prevention. The Wings ownership will be presenting a check at a future game.
This week the Wings Travel to Brookings Wednesday, back home at the Odde Friday vs. Minot Friday, then up to Minot Saturday. Friday night is college night at the Odde, Show a valid college ID and get $2 off admission at the door. We will also be doing our annual food drive to help stock local shelters for the holiday season. Bring a nonperishable food item and get $2 off admission at the door.