Minot, ND – The Minotauros host the Minnesota Wilderness as the Tauros pay tribute to North Dakota’s energy industry this weekend. The Tauros have gone 2-1-1 against the Wilderness this season, all in Cloquet, MN. The Wilderness making their first trip to the Magic City with the Tauros looking to solidify playoff positioning in the always tight NAHL Central.
The Tauros offense has been clicking all season long. At 3.91 goals-per-game the Tauros offense ranks second in the league. Eleven Tauros have at least 15 points on the season. The Tauros have posted 17 goals in the four games against the Wilderness scored by 12 different players. Jay Buchholz has five points, all assists to lead the Tauros against the Wilderness followed by Kyler Kleven, Isak Dahlin, and Cade Stibbe, each with a goal and three helpers.
The Wilderness meanwhile are at a crossroads that could define their season. Seven points behind the Tauros for the fourth and final playoffs spot in the division, the Wilderness need to get a least a split to remain in the playoff hunt. Despite ranking 13th overall in offense the Wilderness have had plenty of offense against the Tauros posting 11 goals on Sam Evola and six more on Ben Garrity. Nate Horn has been a Tauro killer with four goals and an assist on the season series. Tyler Watkins and Alec Cokley each have four more points in the series set.
The Tauros have a chance to create separation in the standings this weekend with a strong showing they can pull 11 points ahead of the Wilderness for the division’s final playoff spot. The lineup will be bolstered by the arrival of Cody Sherman from Tri-City of the USHL. Sherman is the younger brother of former Tauro Steven Sherman and a former teammate of Joseph Harguindeguy for two season with Anaheim Jr. Ducks.
This weekend the Tauros will be hosting their Energy Appreciation Weekend including wearing specialty jerseys inspired by the North Dakota energy industry. Both games start at 8:05 p.m., tickets for both games are available through the “Tickets” tab atop this page.