Austin, MN – The Minotauros struggles against Austin continued this weekend as the Tauros were swept by the first place Bruins. The Tauros not only never led on the weekend but spent more than twice as much time trailing by three goals (39:58 of game time) as they did tied with the Bruins (18:26 of game time). To add insult to injury after not allowing a hat trick by an Austin Bruin during the first 100 regular season meetings, the Bruins had a hat trick in both meetings 101 and 102 this weekend.
On Friday night the Tauros fell behind just 1:28 when Walter Zacher scored his first of three on the evening. From there the teams would trade five power play goals by the end of the second period which ended with the Bruins ahead 4-2. Trevor Stachowiak scored his fifth of the season for the Tauros in the first and Hunter Longhi his ninth in the second to keep the Tauros in striking distance. However Austin would extend their lead less than a minute into the third with the games second even strength goal. Colby Joseph would add another power play marker for the Tauros in the game’s waning moments to make the final more respectable.
Saturday night the saw a more competitive first period but the Bruins eventually broke through when Josh Giuliani scored 15:15 into the game. He would get his second of the night 4:55 into the second to double the Bruin lead. Zacher’s fourth of the weekend followed by Gavin Morrissey’s fifth of the season pushed Austin ahead 4-0 entering the third. Chase LaPinta would eventually break through for the Tauros early in the third; but after a Joseph goal was waived off for a high stick, dashing the Tauros hopes of a comeback, Giuliani would cap the game with an empty netter for a 5-1 final.
Next up for the Tauros is a trip to St. Cloud to take on the Norsemen in a weekend set next Friday and Saturday. As the schedule seems to repeat the Tauros are hoping results will follow. Last month after getting swept by Austin in Austin the Tauros went to St. Cloud and took both games from the Norsemen.
After the Norsemen series the Tuaros will return home to the Pepsi Rink at Maysa Arena on December 16th to host the Bismarck Bobcats in the annual SCHEELS of Minot Teddy Bear Toss Game. If you can not make it to Minot for the game you can still support the Teddy Bear Toss virtually.