by: Ken Oda, minotauroshockey.com
Bismarck, ND – The Minotauros and Bobcats renewed their intrastate rivalry for the first time since the Tauros swept the Bobcats out of the playoffs last spring. The Tauros came in on a three game win streak from the NAHL Showcase where they seemed to get stronger as the four game in four day event went on. The Bobcats on the other hand went winless at the Showcase and made several roster moves in an attempt to shake things up.
In what would be the theme of the night the Tauros struck first in the first period when Johnny Walker set up Tyler Jeanson for his first of the season. Jared Pike however was left alone in front of Lucas Murray and the Tauros goal and was able to lift a backhander over the Tauros netminder. The second period started much the same way; Sam Fuss gave the Tauros a 2-1 lead when he found a loose puck in the slot and ripped it past Hunter Shepard. Just like in the first period the Bobcats fought back even when Alex Strand was left alone in the left circle and was able to beat Murray.
The Tauros again took the lead in the middle of the third period when newly minted Tauros captain Jared Brandt scored on the power play with a big shot from the blue line. Unlike the previous two period the Bobcats could not answer and with Shepard on the bench Christian Mohs hit the empty Bismarck net for a 4-2 win much to the delight of over 100 Tauros fans who made the trip.
The Tauros and Bobcats will not meet again until the Bobcats come to the Maysa on Tuesday November 10th. The win improved the Tauros to 11-3-2 against the Bobcats since the start of last season. Next up for the Minotauros is the home opener, Friday October 9th against the Brookings Blizzard. You can purchase and print your tickets at home by clicking here.