Minot, ND – The Minotauros play their final home games of the regular season this weekend with a set against the Bismarck Bobcats. The Tauros need just one more point to clinch a spot in the Robertson Cup Playoffs for the eighth consecutive post season, the second longest active streak in the NAHL behind Fairbanks’ 15 playoff runs. The Bobcats meanwhile have clinched a playoff spot already and will most likely be the Tauros first round opponent, making this weekend a playoff preview.
The Tauro have been streaky all season but remain a game over .500 at 23-22-7. Cade Stibbe‘s 31 points on 12 goals and 19 assists lead the Tauros on the season. Tyler Kostelecky‘s team leading 16 goals have him second overall on the year with 29 points. Captain Jack Westlund is third on the team in scoring with 28 points and has led the Tauros against the Bobcats with six points on three goals and three assists through nine games. Keenan Rancier has 40 appearances on the season and 20 wins on a .915 sv%.
The Bobcats meanwhile are led by Ryan Taylor and George Grannis who have 38 points each, both on 19 goals and 19 assists each. In goal Cameron Korpi has returned from the U.S. National Team Development Program; he shutout the Tauros twice in consecutive starts on either side of the Christmas break.
Friday night the Tauros will be holding billet appreciation night and then on Saturday the Tauros will be holding their annual SCHEELS Teddy Bear Toss Night. Fans are encouraged to bring new or gently used stuffed animals and when the Tauros score their first goal of the night throw them to the ice. The bears will then be donated to a variety of local causes to go to children in need. Tickets for both games are still available through the “Tickets” tab atop this page or by clicking here.