NAHL Showcase Recap
Blaine, MN – The Minotauros opened the regular season with a 1-2-1 performance at the NAHL Showcase. There were several positives for the Tauros despite the taking just three of a possible eight points at the event. The end result however was just the one win over Corpus Christi and a spot in fourth place in the NAHL Central out of the starting gate.
The Tauros opened the Showcase with a 2-0 loss to the Lone Star Brahmas, defeated the Corpus Christi Ice Rays 5-2 on Day Two, lost in regulation to the New Mexico Ice Wolves 3-1 on Day Three, and then closed out the Showcase with a 4-3 overtime loss to the Fairbanks Ice Dogs on the Saturday.
Overall the Tauros appeared more defensively responsible than last year’s group holding opponents to just 24 shots per game compared to 36.8 shots per game last season. The Tauros outshot their opponents in three of the four contests, a trend that bodes well for the rest of the season as Central Division play kicks off next weekend.
Dean Schwenninger emerged as the leader of the offense recording a goal and four assists. Joe Westlund and Colby Joseph added two goals each; while Cole Mickel and Jaksen Panzer each had a goal and an assist. In goal Zach Sandy and Thomas Kiesewetter each allowed two goals in their only games while veteran Carter Clafton allowed five on 50 shots through his two starts.
Next up the Tauros head to Austin, Minnesota, to take on the Austin Bruins who opened the season as NAHL Showcase champs going 3-0-1. Both Friday and Saturday’s games will start at 7:00 p.m. with a 6:45 Farmers Union Pregame Show on HockeyTV, Mixlr, Facebook, GoTauros.com, and the Minotauros Mobile App (Apple or Android).