Minot, ND – The new-look Tauros take the ice this weekend for their first games in 2021 looking to end a four game skid that led to a series of roster changes. The Tauros ended 2020 dropping four in a row and being outscored 16-4, including a pair of shutouts to close out the year. As a result, eight new faces have been added to the roster since Christmas. Despite the year-end struggles the Tauros remain in second place in the Central Division.
The new look starts up front for the Tauros who after scoring 21 goals in their first six games managed just 27 goals in the next 12. Gabe Temple was acquired first, joining the Tauros in time for the last game of 2020. Then after the new year the Tauros added more veteran forwards; Ethan Schmunk and Brett Roloson join the Tauros from the Powell River Kings from the BCHL and former Tauro Jay Buchholz returns from the USHL’s Sioux Falls Stampede along with Logan Anderson from the USHL’s Des Moines Buccaneers. Lastly, next week, Tauros’ second round pick Tyler Kostelecky will be joining the team from the Alberni Valley Bulldogs of the BCHL. In total the Tauros have added six new forwards with 617 games of junior hockey experience and 121 combined career junior goals and 307 total junior points.
Head Coach/General Manager Shane Wagner did not ignore the defense either adding a pair of blue liners that could be in Minot for years to come. Robert Kincaid is an ’02 University of Maine commit who already has 68 games of junior experience with the Camrose Kodiaks where he scored five goals and assisted 27 more. Ross Roloson, the younger brother of Brett, got his first taste of junior hockey last season getting five games with the AJHL’s Spruce Grove Saints. Prior to that playing U18 hockey the ’03 d-man posted 34 points in 35 games.
Aside from the new faces Damon Zimmer who leads with the team with seven goals remains as does Captain Jack Westlund who has 10 points. Kaiden Scott leads the Tauros with 11 points on four goals and seven assists. Keenan Rancier remains the last line of defense, playing in 16 of the Tauros 18 games Rancier has posted a .920 SV% and 3.09 GAA.
Meanwhile, after Minnesota Covid restrictions shut down the Midwest Division shortly after it started in November. The Kenai River Brown Bears and the rest of the Midwest were finally able to restart play New Years weekend. After a 3-0-0 start before the restrictions the Brown Bears have dropped to 4-3-0. Max Helgeson paces Kenai’s offense posting six goals and setting up two more in six games played. Theo Thrun and former Austin Bruins Adam Szubert each have seven points. Luke Pavicich has posted a 3-1-0 record in net thanks to a 3.14 GAA and .923 SV% playing in five of the Brown Bears’ games.
Ticketing Update
With the Governor’s Office announced a change to the North Dakota Covid-19 Risk Level, lowering it from “High” (orange) to “Moderate” (yellow). This allows for event venues to increase to 50% capacity and the Minotauros will continue to comply that and all N.D. Smart Restart Guidelines. As a result of the increased capacity, the Minotauros will place additional hand sanitizer stations around the Maysa Arena Concourse and continue to offer socially distant seating options in designated sections. Masks, will continue to be required per the ND Smart Restart Large Gathering Guidelines.
Due to the dramatic changes in the schedule Season Ticket Holders with PRINTED paper ticket packets will need to request new printed tickets for the remaining games. Season Ticket Holders with digital tickets or the “One Ticket” will not have to take action as your ticket account will update automatically. Additionally, the increased capacity will allow for us to resume selling season ticket packages and honoring flex tickets. Season Ticket Holders should also be able to begin using their flex credits.
Due to the limited number of tickets available, we continue to recommend that fans purchase their tickets online in advance of the game through the “Tickets” tab atop this page or by clicking here. The Minotauros office will also be open from 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. on non-game days for fans to utilize flex tickets in advance of scheduled games. The Minotauros box office will reopen on game days if we have not reached our capacity limit prior to doors opening.
Due to what will undoubtedly be a high number of questions please direct any ticketing or ND Smart Restart questions to the Minotauros staff via email at contact@minotauroshockey.com.
Individual Game and Season Ticket Packages will go back on sale at noon on Wednesday, January 6th. All Individual Game Tickets will be priced at our discounted rate of $8 for the remainder of the season.