By: Ken Oda, minotauroshockey.com
Minot, ND – The Minotauros look to start another winning streak this weekend after seeing their franchise best seven game run snapped in the final minute of last Saturday’s game in Aberdeen. To do so the Tauros will have to top the bitter rival Bismarck Bobcats. While tempers may flare in the stands both organizations hope that their fans are in a more charitable spirit as both teams will be hosting their Teddy Bear Toss nights. Tonight at the Maysa will be the Tauros third annual Teddy Bear Toss night. Fans are encouraged to bring a teddy bear to the game and when the Minotauros score, toss it on the ice. Then on Saturday the Bobcats will be encouraging fans to toss bears after the first goal as well.
The Minotauros will need to find a way to slow down Filip Starzynski and Cullen Willox, both of whom have four goals and three assists in the five games the rivals have played. For the men in the Bullhead sweaters Jon Lizotte has lead the way against the Bobcats with two goals including the game winner in a stunning come from behind win at the Maysa on November 16th in which the Tauros post four third period goals to win 6-4.
In net the Tauros Brandon Wildung (committed to Mercyhurst) and Merrick Madsen (committed to Harvard) have for the most part shared the load since Madsen joined the club. Wildung has been a 2-1-0 record against the team he played for two seasons ago, while Madsen in 0-2-0 against the Capital Kitties. Aaron Nelson has carried the load for the Bobcats this season starting all but two games this season; however both of the games he did not start were against the Tauros. Scott Albertoni (acquired from Corpus Christi) has started both of those games, coincidentally one of his other two starts on the season came for Corpus against the Tauros at the Blaine Showcase.
Tickets for tonight’s game at the Maysa are still available by clicking the “tickets” tab atop this page. Central Cab will be donating 100 teddy bears to tonight’s toss, and don’t forget yours to toss to the ice when the Minotauros score. All of the teddy bears from the tosses in Minot and Bismarck will be going to charity. Those thrown in Minot will be given to the Domestic Crisis Center and the Minot Police Department.