By: Ken Oda, minotauroshockey.com
Richfield, MN – The Minot Minotauros have fallen from their perch atop the NAHL Central Division thanks to a slow start coming out of the Christmas break. The Tauros have gone 2-5-0 since returning from the break and been out-scored 31-18. Despite the struggle the Tauros remain just four points behind first place Austin with over two months remaining in the season. This weekend the Tauros are in Richfield, MN to take on the fifth place Magicians. Despite the Tauros superior record, the Magicians have won three of the previous four meetings between the clubs.
Jerry Casey (12g 16a) leads the Magicians in scoring including four goals and four assists over the four games with the Tauros. Brady Heppner (9g 10a) leads the Magicians against the Tauros with five goals and Pierce Crawford (10g 12a) has three goals against Minot.
Christian Mohs (11g 19a) has four goals against the Magicians and four goals and three assists over the last five games. Derek Frentz (10g 12a) and Chase Spingman (10g 12a) have also been hot over that span with two goals each to go with seven combined assists. Steven Mather (2g 3a) and Austin Martinsen (12g 8a) also have two goals each over the Tauros last five games.
The Tauros record against the Magicians is especially frustrating when looking beyond the final scores. Over four games the Tauros have outshot the Magicians 141-104. The Magicians have outscored the Tauros 4-0 on the power play with the Tauros giving the Magicians 17 power plays over the four games. The Tauros are 11-0-2 when scoring first this season meaning that good starts will be the key to getting back on track.
This weekend’s games will be available on all three outlets of the Minotauros’ Network; ppv video at fasthockey.com, free audio at prostyleproduction.com, and over the air radio in Minot on AM 1390 KRRZ. After this weekend the Tauros remain on the road for two games against last place Aberdeen next weekend before returning home to the Maysa on February 5th and 6th to take on the Wings. Season tickets are now prorated for the remainder of the season and still include reserved seating for all remaining games including the playoffs.