By Sean Williams, http://www.gotauros.com
Minot, N.D. – Following a sweep of the St. Cloud Norsemen last weekend, Minot Minotauros fans will have a chance to potentially witness history this weekend at the Pepsi Rink. With a win last Saturday marking the Tauros ninth win in a row, they tied a franchise record for consecutive wins, and will look to extend that streak when they host the same Norsemen at 7:35 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
During the nine game winning streak, the Tauros have put themselves in an excellent position at the top of the Central Division standings, where they currently have a 13-point edge with 53 points on the season and a record of 26-6-1. With a slim four points separating second and fifth place, the Norsemen enter the weekend in fourth place with 37 points and a record of 14-11-9.
Bringing well-rounded play to the ice during the streak, the Tauros are averaging 5.1 goals per game and allowing 1.7 goals per game. Of the nine wins, only two of the games were decided by one goal and only one win occurred beyond regulation. Outscoring the Norsemen 13-4 last weekend, the Minotauros got lengthy contributions from their roster in the sweep.
Colby Bear, Will Dawson, Colby Woogk (2), Chad Muller (2), Jack O’Hanisain (3), Joel Lehtinen, Niklas Ketonen, and Nicholas Sewecke (2) all lit the lamp at least once. Special teams provided a boost, too, as the Tauros penalty kill unit allowed one goal in eight man down situations.
O’Hanisain’s performance over the weekend resulted in him being named the Central Division Star of the Week. In the sweep of St. Cloud, O’Hanisain totaled five points on three goals and two assists.
Not only is the current win streak close to making history, Woogk’s next goal will make history as well. After tallying his 11th goal of the season last weekend, Woogk tied a single-season franchise record for most goals by a defenseman. There is a lot of excitement surrounding the team, in addition to their firm grip on first place, so be sure to not miss any of the action beginning on Friday at 7:35 p.m. at the Maysa this weekend. Tickets for both games are available in the Tauros Hockey Tauros Hockey Mobile App, through the “Tickets” tab atop this page, or by visiting the Tauros ticketing site.