by: Ken Oda, minotauroshockey.com
The Minotauros scoring drought finally came to an end on Friday in the third period when Blake Aguilar scored ending a run of 170:38 without a goal for the Tauros. The goal also tied the game and eventually forced overtime earning the Tauros a point, before they fell midway through the extra frame.
Friday’s game (full box) started poorly for the Minotauros but Brandon Wildung kept the in it. Outshot 18-5 through the first 20 minutes, Wildung made every save required and the first period ended in a scoreless tie. Early in the second Billy Exell, was able to beat Wildung to give the Wilderness a 1-0, but the Tauros defense tightend allowing only six shots in the frame keeping the Wilderness within striking distance. The Tauros did finally strike at 3:24 of the third when Aguilar scored with help from Scott Dornbrock. The game went to overtime earning the Tauros a standings point, but Michael Covach, scored at 2:26 to end it.
After managing only 18 shots on goal in the first night of the weekend, they came back with 30 on Saturday (full box). However just as the night before Kasimir Kaskisuo, who holds the league’s third best save percentage at .952, held the Tauros off the board for the first 40 minutes. Also just as the night before, the Tauros trailed 1-0 entering the final period. Early in the third, Cam Rowat got free in behind the Wilderness defense, and was hooked from behind. He was awarded a penalty shot and converted by cutting across the top of the crease and sliding a backhand past Kaskisuo. Johnny Walker would give the Tauros the lead with a highlight reel goal midway through the period. However a Terry Leabo power play goal less than a minute later tied the game at two followed by Johno May’s goal at 14:45 gave the Wilderness a 3-2 win.
Next up the Tauros face the rival Bismarck Bobcats for the first time this season with a home and home series next weekend. Friday’s game is in Bismarck and starts at 7:15. Saturday’s affair is at the Maysa as part of a double headed with Minot State. The Beavers take on Colorado State at 5:00 p.m. and the Tauros play the Bobcats at 8:15.