By Sean Williams, www.minotauroshockey.com
Bismarck, N.D. – The final two weekends of the regular season, as teams push for the final seeding of the Robertson Cup Playoffs, is going to be intense. The Tauros have been slotted in as the first place team in the Central Division for months now, however, standing in their way from a strong finish are their in-state rivals in the Bismarck Bobcats, who they will see across the ice for the next four games to close out the 2023-24 regular season.
With an impressive 85 points and a record of 42-13-1 in 56 games this year, the Tauros have held a firm grip on their spot in first place in the Central Division for quite some time now. Not far behind them all along has been the Bobcats, who enter the weekend with 80 points and a record of 38-14-1 in 56 games, which is good for second place in the division. Both teams have already clinched playoff spots, but the intensity between the two will remain strong as they fight for a strong finish and aim to carry positive momentum into the postseason.
Through eight games played up to this point, the Tauros own a 5-2-1 record against the Bobcats this year. In those games, to no surprise, the competition has remained very close. The Tauros are averaging 3.12 goals per game and allowing 2.87 goals per game against the Bobcats this year. However, recent history has fared well for Minot, as they have won four of the last five games against Bismarck.
Adding to the excitement of the upcoming games, both Minot and Bismarck have been playing great hockey as of late. The Tauros are coming off a recent nine-game winning streak, while the Bobcats are entering the weekend riding a six-game winning streak.
Jack O’Hanisain’s 57 points (26 goals, 31 assists) leads the way for Minot, followed by 50 points from Joel Lehtinen (16 goals, 34 assists); 47 points from Niklas Ketonen (14 goals, 33 assists); 43 points from Trevor Stachowiak (13 goals, 30 assists); 37 points from Colby Woogk (17 goals 20 assists); 33 points from Will Dawson (13 goals, 20 assists); 32 points from Cayden Casey (11 goals, 21 assists); and 30 points apiece from John Small (9 goals, 21 assists) and Chad Muller (13 goals, 17 assists).
Bismarck is led by 54 points from Tommy Cronin (19 goals, 35 assists), followed by 49 points from Evan Hunter (19 goals, 30 assists); 47 points from Julian Beaumont (20 goals, 27 assists); 44 points from Kade Kohanski (17 goals, 27 assists); and 40 points from Patrick Johnson (19 goals, 21 assists).
In net, Bismarck has been led by the duo of Stephen Peck and Klayton Knapp. In 30 games, Peck has allowed an average of 2.22 goals and has a 91.67% save percentage. In 27 games, Knapp has allowed an average of 2.19 goals and has a 92.42% save percentage. Minot is led by Brady James, who has taken on the bulk of the net minding duties. In 30 games, James is giving up an average of 2.02 goals and has a 91.73% save percentage.
Puck drop is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. on Friday and Saturday night at VFW Sports Center. The following weekend, these two will pick up where they left off in Bismarck on Friday night, before making their way to the Maysa Arena on Saturday night for the final game of the regular season.