by: Andrew Lennox, minotauroshockey.com
The Minot Minotauros, leading the NAHL’s Central Division with 15 games left in the regular season, have found success, in part, through their exceptional play on special teams, particularly their penalty kill.
In 45 games, Minot boasts the NAHL’s second-best penalty kill, trailing only the Lone Star Brahmas, with a staggering 88.7% success rate. In the Central Division, they sit in first place. Opponents have scored 97 goals against the Tauros, with only 18 coming while shorthanded.
When facing the daunting challenge of being shorthanded, the Tauros have leaned heavily on the seasoned expertise of their veteran defensemen. Players like Weston Knox, Adam Mahler, Pavol Funtek, and Colby Woogk, who have several years of junior hockey experience, are often called upon to anchor the team’s penalty kill units during critical game moments.
On the offensive end, the leadership of captain Trevor Stachowiak, alongside forwards Nicholas Sewecke and John Emmons, has been instrumental in maintaining the team’s efficiency while shorthanded.
Head Coach/General Manager Cody Campbell says it has been a team effort, “our PK has been very consistent all season long. We have a group of guys that are very dialed into what we run and what we try to accomplish on the pk. They take pride in using the penalty kill to gain momentum. Also anytime you have a good pk, goaltending is normally the catalyst. Our goalies have done a great job making key saves when we have been down a man this year. It’s truly been a group effort when it comes to our kill.”
In February games, Minot has allowed two goals during 17 penalties against Central Division opponents. With just two games remaining in the month, both matchups taking place on home ice against the Austin Bruins, the Tauros face a crucial test against a Bruins power play that has been solid all season long.
In eight previous contests with the Tauros, the Bruins have capitalized on seven of their 33 power-play opportunities. Moreover, in the current month alone, the Bruins have converted on 35% of their power play chances, netting seven goals in 20 opportunities. They are at the top of the Central Division in power-play efficiency, with a formidable 21.3% conversion rate.
Despite the Tauros having an excellent penalty kill, staying disciplined and out of the penalty box with just 15 regular season contests will be instrumental down the stretch.
This weekend will be the last time the Minotauros host the Bruins during the regular season, as the two teams are scheduled to begin the festivities on Friday at 7:35 p.m. at the Pepsi Rink, and will conclude their weekend one day later at the same time. Minot will make one more trip to Austin in the regular season, which is set to take place near the end of March. The weekend kicks off a run of five consecutive home games for the Tauros with Aberdeen coming in the following weekend followed by Bismarck on Tuesday March 5th. This Friday, February 23rd, is also the Farmers Union Jersey Giveaway. The first 750 fans to bring three non-perishable food items or a $10 donation to The Lord’s Cupboard will receive a Tauros jersey from Farmers Union Insurance. Tickets for all remaining home games are available in the Tauros Hockey Mobile App, through the “Tickets” tab atop this page, or by visiting the Tauros ticketing site.