by: Ken Oda, minotauroshockey.com
Minot, ND – The Minotauros started the season with 11 of their first 13 games away from the Maysa Arena. The road heavy start went about as well anyone could have expected, with the Tauros going 9-2-2 and sitting atop the Central Division. The extra time on the road also gave the team which has 13 new players from last season time to bond. With 20 points already on the season the Tauros have the league’s 4th best record and a five point lead on the Austin Bruins who sit in second in the Central.
The Tauros won both meetings with Austin this season, winning the first in stunning fashion coming from down one with less than two minutes to play to win in overtime. The second win came less dramatically with the Tauros jumped out to a 4-0 lead before winning 4-2. James LaDouce had the overtime game winner and four assists against the Bruins. Tauros leading scorer Johnny Walker had three goals and Chase Springman had a goal and two assists during the weekend set in Austin. Overall the Tauros have put up 3.54 goals per game which is fifth overall in the NAHL. The Tauros defense is good for sixth best in the league allowing just 2.31 goals per game thanks in large part to the Tauros rookie goaltending tandem of Lucas Murray and Jon Flakne, who have both been off to strong starts.
The Bruins offense is off to a similarly strong start posting 3.64 goals per game which is third best in the league. Jade Miller leads the club in goals with eight on the season; Austin Rueschhoff had two goals against the Tauros. The Bruins rank fourteenth in goals against allowing 2.93 goals per game. Kristofer Carlson has played nine of the Bruins 14 games this season posting a 5-3-1 record.
No matter what happens this weekend the Tauros will remain in first place; however a sweep would give the Tauros a nine point lead on the Bruins and begin to see the Tauros pull away from the rest of the division.
Watch and Listen: Tickets for both games are still available by clicking the “Tickets” tab atop this page. Fans coming to the games from North Hill are encouraged to take advantage of the new shuttle service to Tauros games with stops at The Landing Bar and the Grand Hotel. Shuttle service begins at 6:25 p.m. and the last pickup is at 7:25 p.m. on game nights. Fans not coming to Maysa can watch on fasthockey.com or listen to a free audio stream on prostyleproduction.com.
Trunk or Treat: Prior to Saturday night’s Halloween game Kacey Cope from Allstate Agent Mark Havig's office, Superior Cleaning, and the Hyatt family, are hosting a “Trunk or Treat” tailgate party. There are still a few spots remaining in the vehicle decorating contest to enter click here. There will be trick or treating at the tailgate for kids and the first 100 kids in costume will receive a free ticket to the game. During the first intermission on Halloween there will be a costume contest with over $500.00 worth of prizes from OK Automotive for the top three adult and child costumes.