Flying Start

Feb 19, 2015

By: Ken Oda, minotauroshockey.com

Aberdeen, SD – The Minotauros begin their weekend in Aberdeen for a battle with the fourth place Wings tonight before heading down to Brookings for Saturday’s date with the Blizzard.  The Tauros have been slumping a bit since their last trip to Aberdeen, a two game sweep; going 2-3-2 since their win on 17th of January.  Aberdeen has gone 4-4-0 over that same time to stay four points ahead of Brookings for the Central Division’s final playoff spot.

The Tauros offense against Aberdeen has been lead by the usual suspects with Blake Lizotte (12g 35a) and Christian Mohs (14g 30a) each having eight points each against the Wings.  Atte Tolvanen (2.06gaa .917sv%) and Tanner Holmes (2.37gaa .896sv%) have split time against the Wings with each goaltender earning three wins.  Nick Monfils (10g 11a) has been the hottest Tauro of late with two goals and two assists over the last five games.

Aberdeen’s leading score Kyle Haak (11g 28a) has lead the way against the Tauros as well with six points, all assists.  Michael Soucier (16g 16a) has done the most scoring damage with three goals along with two assists having played in seven of the nine meetings.  Andrew Shortridge (2.54gaa .914sv%) had been spitting time with Chad Catt (2.84gaa .900sv%) but he has played every game since the Wings traded Catt to the Soo Eagles. 

With a weekend sweep the Tauros would clinch their third consecutive playoff berth after missing the playoffs in their inaugural season.  This weekend will end a run 10 out of 14 games on the road and lead into a home heavy stretch to finish out the regular season with eight of the next ten at the Maysa Arena before finishing with a pair of games in Bismarck.

Road Watch Party:  Friday night’s game will be the February Buffalo Wings and Rings Road Watch Party.  Doors open at 6:45; admission starts at $15 for all you can eat and drink throughout the Tauros game.  Buffalo WIngs and Rings is located at 910 24th Ave SW, in Minot near the Dakota Square Mall.