The Aberdeen Wings were in action at the Bismarck Bobcats on Saturday night. The Wings, struggling of late, lost 5-1 to the Blizzard on Thursday and 4-1 to the Bobcats on Friday, were looking to regain some momentum going into the final stretch of the 2014-2015 season.
To start the game, the Wings would begin lighting up the crease of Bobcats goaltender Hunter Shepard. Though not able to capitalize on shot attempts early, the Wings would go on the power play at the 15:32 mark. With just 5 seconds left on the power play, the Wings would score off the stick of #13 Michael Soucier (F-Caledon, Ontario) with an assist to #11 Victor Ostling (F-Stockholm, Sweden). At the end of the period, already on the power play, Bobcats defenseman Tony German would catch a roughing penalty and abuse of officials penalty giving the Wings a 5-on-3 power play to start the 2nd period.
With the huge advantage, the Wings would score to start the 2nd period with a goal from #13 Michael Soucier thanks to an assist from newly acquired Wings defenseman #2 Ryan Cook (D-Lancaster, NY). The Wings would lead 2-0. Just as the power plays would end, Wings forward #11 Victor Ostling would find the back of the net with an assist to Soucier, making it 3-0. At the 15:18 mark, the Bobcats would get a goal from Jared Spooner, a short-handed goal. At the end of the period, there was much commotion and arguing from the penalty boxes, Bobcats fans, and game officials.
As the third period started, just 20 seconds in, Wings defenseman #2 Ryan Cook would fire a shot from the blue line which would be deflected by Wings forward #16 Kyle Haak (F-Okemos, MI) for the goal and a 4-1 lead for the Wings. At the 14:51 mark, Wings forward #16 Kyle Haak would drop the gloves with Bobcats’ Piotrowski. The duel would end in a draw going to the ice. All game long, the Wings had to battle with the rockets from the blue line of Bobcats defenseman Tanner Salsberry. The hard slap shots would continue to get stronger, but Wings goaltender #35 Andrew Shortridge (G-Eagle River, AK) would stop them all. The Bobcats would tally another goal in the final minute of the game, making it 4-2.
The Wings would come away with the 4-2 victory.
BUTLER-CAT HIT OF THE GAME
Aberdeen #17 Will Hammer (F-St. Cloud, MN)
SD WHEATGROWERS STARS OF THE GAME
3RD STAR – Aberdeen #2 Ryan Cook (D-Lancaster, NY)
2ND STAR – Aberdeen #11 Victor Ostling (F-Stockholm, Sweden)
1ST STAR – Aberdeen #13 Michael Soucier (F-Caledon, Ontario)