Snow Way

Dec 19, 2014

By: Ken Oda, minotauroshockey.com

Minot, ND – The Tauros opened the weekend with a bang, topping the Bismarck Bobcats 5-0 last night.  Now the Brookings Blizzard come to Minot to provide the opposition for the Tauros’ last game before the Christmas break.  With a one point lead over second place Austin the Tauros need to secure at least a point to ensure that they remain in first place headed into the break.

Friday’s game got off to fast start, there were few stoppages as the teams both played with good pace.  Despite that, neither team was able to dent the score board.  Then in opening minute of the second period, for the second game in a row, Christian Mohs scored on a shorthanded breakaway.  Less than two minutes later Quinn Fuchs redirected Austin Kilian’s shot past Alex Bitsakis to make it 2-0 Tauros.  Then in the third period after killing a pair of penalties the Tauros quickly went back on the attack.  Casey Johnson beat Cullen Willox with a nice move in the left circle and fired towards the net and Mohs tipped home the rebound to push the lead to three.  Goals from John Snodgrass and James Mathias just 15 seconds apart in late in the period locked the game away pushing the final to 5-0.  Atte Tolvanen made 17 saves in the shutout. 

Now the Tauros turn their attention towards the Brookings Blizzard. Since dropping the first meeting of the season 4-1 at the Maysa the Tauros have gone on to take the next four meetings between the two clubs by a combined score of 14-5.   Johnny Walker has five goals against the Blizzard this season to lead all scorers in the series.  With his two goals last night Mohs tied Blake Lizotte for the team lead in points at 34; the duo has combined for 11 points against the Blizzard. The Tauros power play has been key converting on 31.6% of it’s chances against the Blizzard.  Zach Glienke has a goal and three assists against the Tauros this year; Blizzard leading scorer Beau Michaud has been limited to just two assists in the series. 

Heading into the Christmas break, Saturday’s game will feature an ugly Christmas sweater contest.  Tickets for the game can be purchased by clicking the “tickets” tab atop this page.  Fans who buy online save a dollar on their next order at the Spicy Pie in Minot.