Friday Finals: Lone Star Wins Fourth Straight

Fairbanks 5 @ Wisconsin 2 - The Fairbanks Ice Dogs went on the road to play the Wisconsin Windigo. The Ice Dogs opened with 2 goals in the first period both scored by Oliver Banra. One being unassisted and the other being assisted by Dub Eunice III. The Windigo would answer in the second period with Jackson Ernst making the score 2-1, assisted by Ben Norris. The Ice Dogs wouldn’t fold as they answered with a goal of their own from Nick Madsen, assisted by Mack Diggins. With just 4 minutes left in the second period the Windigo would answer again with a goal from Peyton Mithmuangneua, Michael Ryan and Teddy Richardson picking up the assists. Going into the final period it’s a close game 3-2 with the Ice Dogs on top. Most of the third period went by before the Ice Dogs would put a bow on their win with goals from Dub Eunice, assisted by Gabe Ruiz and Clarke Nehmens, and Sami Johnson scored the other goal that was unassisted. The Ice Dogs come out on top 5-2 over the Wisconsin Windigo.

Danbury 4 @ New Hampshire 0 - The Danbury Hat Tricks went to New Hampshire to take on the Mountain Kings. The first period was quiet until the Hat Tricks lit up the score board 2 different times. Luke Melnik scoring the first, assisted by Matt Shpungin and Jeremy Sprung. With the score 2-0 in favor of the Hat Tricks going into the second period. The Hat Tricks would score again as Rhys Medved scored one, assisted by Willem Kerr and Ben Demspter. The final goal of the game would be scored just 2 minutes later from Parker Deschene, assisted by Kai Elkie. The defense for the Hat Tricks was suffocating completing a shut out. In the back for them, their goalie Like Brassil was a perfect 17/17 on saves. The Hat Tricks shut out the Mountain Kings 4-0.

New Jersey 2 @ Johnstown 1 (OT) - The Titans spoiled the Johnstown Tomahawks night in their home arena in a gritty bout that required extra hockey to decide. Some excellent goaltending and defensive work for both squads made it a low scoring, fundamentally-sound battle. Despite 32 penalty minutes and many power plays across the first two periods, shots were only 14-12 in favor of the Titans, and the game was scoreless heading into the third period. The severe lack of shots, and quality shots for that matter, made it a defensive masterclass for both teams. At the early moments of a 4-on-4, Andrew Cowgill found Charlie Zetterkvist alone in the slot for the first tally of the game. About eight minutes later, Nikolas Doumas of the Titans evened up the score on a flukey goal that would send the game into overtime. Limited offense from either side as the defenses continued to play at a high level, but Skogen Schrott stuffed the puck in behind the netminder and put this one on ice. With this game going to overtime, both teams secured points in their own right in the standings. For the Titans, they advance to 4-1-1-2 while the Tomahawks move to 5-1-2-0. Both teams remain extremely competitive in the East Division, and the result of their October 4^th faceoff will determine if the Tomahawks remain first in the East or if the Titans can shake things up.

Northeast 3 @ Rochester 1 - The Northeast Generals secured its fourth-straight victory Friday night in Rochester, taking down fellow east division foe Rochester Jr. Americans in a tightly-contested matchup by a final score of 3-1. The Generals were outshot 29-22 by Rochester, but Northeast goaltender Will Mizenko’s stellar 28-save performance helped pave the way to his squad's fourth win of the season. Northeast wasted no time out of the gate. Mikey Bartkowski tallied his second goal of the season just 25 seconds after puck drop to give the Generals a lead it didn’t give back. Northeast’s Logan Poulin doubled the lead on his team-leading fifth goal of the year with 7:35 left in the opening 20 minutes. Poulin’s goal accounted for the last offense of the period. Rochester’s Keanan Dewberry’s first goal of the year was timely for his squad, slicing the deficit in half just under 11 minutes into the middle period. The Jr. Americans pressed its attack hard in the middle period, sending 13 shots towards Mizenko. He held strong, only allowing the Dewberry shot behind him to preserve a 2-1 Generals lead heading to the third period. Another timely first goal of the season gave Northeast much-needed insurance late in the late stages of the game. Finn Connor did it alone, scoring an unassisted goal to restore his team’s two-goal lead. Mizenko stood tall in the third period, stopping all 10 shots Rochester sent his way to seal the win for the Generals. Connor’s first of the year secured his first-star honors, while Mizenko was awarded the game’s second star. Bartkowski’s opening goal earned him the third star to round out the three stars honors.

Elmira 3 @ Philadelphia 5 - The Philadelphia Rebels started out their weekend with a big come-from-behind victory against the Elmira Aviators. A couple of short-handed goals to establish and extend their lead gave the Rebels the edge in an exciting back and forth game. Johnny Conlin gave the Rebels a quick lead that would stand for the next 15 minutes before Pohjola and Dantas scored two back-to-back goals to give the Aviators a 2-1 lead heading into the first intermission. Ryan Bunting and Jordan Brothers grabbed two tallies of their own, but Aviators forward Cody Powels evened up the score at three heading into the third period. Brayton Frick barreled to the net and willed a puck across the goal line on the penalty kill. Just three and a half minutes later on yet another penalty kill, Charlie Spencer sniped the Rebels fifth goal of the game on a two on one. The Rebels were relentless on the puck tonight. Not only did they show it in their ability to rally and put this game on ice, but they physically played a very demanding game that proved to be their strength throughout. An unforgiving two-man forecheck on the penalty kill created two major disruptions in the Aviators breakout on the powerplay and they both resulted in goals in favor of the Rebels.

Maryland 6 @ Maine 1 - The Maryland Black Bears took a convincing 6-1 win against the Maine Nordiques at the Norway Savings Bank Arena. A combination of efficient offense and solid defensive play gave the Black Bears a quick lead that they kept and did not relinquish for the rest of the game.  The Black Bears didn’t wait long, establishing a 3-0 lead in the first period courtesy of Joshua Frenette, Victor Mannebratt, and Harrison Smtih. Despite the early adversity, the Nords would respond fast to start the second period thanks to a Henry Butte tally just two and a half minutes into the frame. This push in momentum was quickly extinguished 20 seconds later as Harrison Smtih lit the lamp for the second time. Josh Frenette also grabbed his second of the evening, and Harrison Smith finished off the hat trick with just two minutes left in the second period. The third period went scoreless, and the Black Bears finished out this impressive victory. A great game for folks that believe in quality shots over quantity. The Nordiques, despite suffering a 5-goal loss, ended up outshooting the Black Bears 26-22 and were consistently outshot throughout the game. The Black Bears ability to limit quality shot attempts in tandem with exemplary goaltending from Ryan Denes brought this game out of reach for the Nords quick.

Minot 5 @ Watertown 3 - The Minot Minotauros took a trip over to plat the Watertown Shamrocks. The scoring opened very quickly as the Shamrocks struck first less than a minute into the game. Carter Sproule scored with Erick Comstock and Zach Boren picking up the assist. The Minotauros would answer with a goal from Davin Nichols half way through the first period. Dane Ramirez and Ivan Sidorov pick up the assist. Just 2 minutes later the Shamrocks would take the lead again with a goal from Junior Podein, assisted by Carter Sproule and once again Zach Boren. The electric first period wouldn’t end there as the Minotauros would score to tie it up once again 2-2, Mario Fate scores assisted by Owen Dawson and Marlen Edwards. With 5 minutes off the clock in the second period the Minotauros would take their first lead of the game. Marlen Edwards scores on the power play, assisted by Lucca Ori and Ty James. But the Shamrocks would answer once again, on a power play of their own Carter Sproule would score his second of the game, assisted by Junior Podein and Justin Bartley. With the score tied up the Minotuaros would seal the deal with 2 late goals from Braeden Jockims and Philip Wiklund, Lucca Ori, Owen Dawson, Michael Solominsky, and Brady Zugec each picking up an assist. The Minotauros out duel the Shamrocks 5-3.

Springfield 2 @ Chippewa 1 - The Chippewa Steel host the Springfield Jr. Blues for both teams’ first matchup of the weekend. Both teams were hoping to gain a win, with both teams wishing to come off of their losing streaks. The first period was a quiet one, with neither team making a mark on the scoreboard. During the second period, Chippewa Steel Forward Anthony Preskar scored an unassisted goal four and a half minutes into the period. The Jr. Blues managed to tie the score, with Forward Drew Albrecht netting one at 6:23. The second period ended with a tie of 1-1. Not even two minutes into the third period, Jr. Blues Forward Brady Turner gave Springfield the lead at 18:17. The score would remain 2-1 as the time expired on the clock. Branson Appelman started in net for the Jr. Blues and saved 29 shots. Noel Friedman started in net for the Steel and saved 37 shots.

Shreveport 0 @ Oklahoma 6 - The Oklahoma Warriors host the Shreveport Mudbugs for both teams’ first game of the weekend and third matchup against each other in the season. Both teams logged a win and loss in their previous two meetings, and both teams were coming to this game with a one-win streak. In the first period, Warriors Forward Chance Burlison opened up the scoring at 10:18. His teammate, Forward Jakub Bednarik would notch an unassisted goal at 7:37. The first period would end 2-0, with the Warriors holding the lead. During the second period, Oklahoma continued their offensive game with Forward Ben Likness extending their lead at 12:05. Burlison would proceed to score his second of the game at 3:41, ending the second period 4-0. During the third period, Shreveport were unable to close the gap, and Burlison would score his third of the game, completing a hat trick, at 15:49 on the power play. Warriors Forward Kyle Sorenson would score again on the power play at 13:51, ending the game for the Warriors 6-0. Billy Stuski started in net for the Warriors, and made 35 saves en route to a shutout. The Mudbugs would start with Tyler Hodges in net, who made 17 saves, before switching to Micah Adams, who made nine saves.

Bismarck 5 @ Minnesota M 3 - The Bismarck Bobcats went on the road to Minnesota to play the Mallards. The Bobcats would strike first with a goal from Nate Garski, assisted by Eddie Revenig. The Mallards would answer with an unassisted goal from Drew Bowe despite being short-handed. With just 21 seconds left in the first period the Bobcats would take the lead again with a goal from Royce Pietila, Charlie Kresl picking up the assist. Th Bobcats would score again in the second period with a goal from Ben Rakowski, Jordan Mayo gets the assist. Just 13 seconds later Drew Bowe would score his second of the game, this time on the power play, assisted by Gleb Akimov. With just over a minute left in the second period the Mallards would tie it up 3-3 with a goal from Mitch Vanderway, assisted by Matthew Christman. Going into the final period 3-3, the tie wouldn’t hold very long as the Bobcats would answer with a goal from Jimmy Dodig on the power play, assisted by Eddie Revenig once again. With time expiring the Bobcats put another one in for good measure, this time from Cooper Williams assisted by Nate Garski. The Bobcats pick up the win 5-3.

North Iowa 4 @ Austin 5 (SO) - The Austin Bruins host the North Iowa Bulls for both teams’ first matchup of the weekend and their first game against each other for the season. Both teams were coming off a one-loss streak. In the first period, North Iowa Forward Michael Malatino would open up the scoring with a power play goal at 12:38. A little over 20 seconds later, at 12:13, Bulls Defenseman Carter Davis would proceed to score again on the power play. North Iowa would continue to extend their lead with a goal by Forward Denis Hodas with 52 seconds remaining in the period. In the second period, the Bulls continued to extend their lead with Hodas scoring at 10:43. However, the Bruins began to mount their comeback with Forward Ej Paddington scoring on the power play at 5:18. Bruins Forward Trace Day would proceed to score at 1:36, closing the gap to 4-2 at the end of the second. With the clock winding down in the third period, Bruins Forward Matsvei Marshchanok was able to close the gap even more with a power play goal at 2:10. With 45 seconds remaining on the clock, Bruins Forward Michael Coleman was able to tie up the score to 4-4 with a goal. With the score tied, the game headed to overtime. Neither team was able to score a goal, and the game proceeded into a shootout. During the shootout, Marshchanok was able to score the game winning goal for the Bruins, and close out the game 5-4. Cody Butkins started in net for the Bruins, and made 24 saves. Aaron Sachs started in net for the Bulls, and made 44 saves.

Odessa 4 @ Corpus Christi 5 (SO) - The Corpus Christi IceRays completed a ferocious, late-game comeback Friday night, erasing a two-goal deficit to down the Odessa Jackalopes by a final score of 5-4 in a shootout. Heroics from Corpus Christi’s Grayson Cohen saved the IceRays from dropping its fourth-straight contest. His goal with just 1:34 left tied the score to send the game to overtime and a shootout, where his team eventually prevailed. The game started with Odessa on the attack. Caden Ghiossi and Shea Barry’s first goals of the season got the ‘Jacks off to a 2-0 lead in the first period. The IceRays responded just in time in the opening period, as Chase Nehring’s first of the year with just 29 seconds left in the first period kept Corpus Christi close after 20 minutes. Odessa came out of the locker room hot once again, as Daniel Kuczkowski restored his squad’s two-goal lead just 47 seconds into the middle frame. The teams traded goals in the final 12 minutes of the period – Marc-Alexandre Richard’s first goal of the year for the IceRays and Hunter Toms for the ‘Jacks to solidify a 4-2 Odessa lead heading to the third period. After hanging around all game, the comeback finally began taking shape when Corpus Chrisi’s William Steward netted his first of the season to get the IceRays within one for the third time of the game. The IceRays finally broke through on Cohen’s goal inside the final two minutes to send an already thrilling game to overtime and, eventually, a shootout. The IceRays took full advantage of the one-on-one showdown, scoring on all three of their shots, with Easton Swift netting the game winner. Corpus Christi goaltender Vladislav Bryzgalov only let one Odessa shot through in the shootout and turned away the other two to seal the win. The come-from-behind victory snapped a three-game skid for Corpus Christi, while the loss ended a two-game Odessa winning streak.

Anchorage 7 @ Janesville 4 - It was a Bydal bonanza in Janesville Friday night, as Anchorage Wolverines forwards Luc Bydal and Rylan Bydal tallied five goals between them in a 7-4 victory over the Janesville Jets. Luc Bydal completed a natural hat-trick in the second period to bring his season total up to seven, while his brother Rylan’s fourth of the year turned out as the game-winning goal on the power play just over 12 minutes into the final frame. The Bydal brothers each tallied four points in the contest. After Luc Bydal opened the scoring, Janesville stormed back with two goals from Ty Bradshaw and Hans Hedlund just under a minute apart late in the opening frame to give the Jets the advantage after 20 minutes. Janesville’s Grant Dillard doubled the Jets’ lead early in the second period, but Luc Bydal’s second of the game just 44 seconds later kept the Wolverines within a goal. The teams went back-and-forth in the middle frame, with Janesville’s Joseph Hyten scored to keep up with Luc Bydel’s hat-trick tally and Rylan Bydal’s first goal to send the game to the final frame even at 4-4. Rylan Bydal’s second of the night proved to be all Anchorage needed. Landon Greenough and Cole Frawner added insurance for the Wolverines late in the game to seal the Wolverines’ third victory of the season. Luc Bydal’s four-point, hat-trick performance earned him first-star honors, with Rylan Bydal not far behind at second star with his two-goal, four-point game.

St. Cloud 2  @ Aberdeen 4 - The Aberdeen Wings kept up their winning ways Friday night, taking down the visiting St. Cloud Norsemen by a final score of 4-2. The win was Aberdeen’s fifth of the season, bringing them to 10 points on the year to keep them atop the central division. The Wings controlled play all night, peppering Norsemen goaltender Ben Liden with 38 shots through 60 minutes. St. Cloud only managed 23 shots on Aberdeen goaltender Adam Dybal. Jack McDonough got the party started for the Wings, giving his team the early lead with just under six minutes remaining in the first period. McDonough’s goal stood as the lone tally of the frame. Aberdeen struck again just over six minutes into the middle period. Owen Pitters’ fifth lamp-lighter of the season brought the Wings’ lead to 2-0. Bronson Hunt finished off the offense for either side in the middle frame, scoring his second of the year to cut Aberdeen's lead in half heading to the final period. St. Cloud gave Aberdeen a scare early in the third period, as Gabriel Bugeaud’s third goal of the year evened the game at twos. The tie only lasted 25 seconds. Pitters gave the Wings the lead it didn’t relinquish back with his sixth goal of the year. Sam Scheetz’s fourth goal of the season gave Aberdeen much-needed insurance midway through the frame. Dybal turned away the remaining St. Cloud attack to secure the 4-2 win for the Wings. Pitters got the nod for the games’ first star with a two-goal night.

Lone Star 4 @ El Paso 0 - The El Paso Rhinos host the Lone Star Brahmas for both teams’ first matchup of the weekend and third matchup against each other in the season. El Paso had lost their previous game while the Brahmas were coming from a three-game winning streak. The first period was quiet, with neither team tallying a goal. During the second period, Brahmas Forward Jackson Vaites opened the scoring at 15:02. His teammate, Forward Jackson Potulny would follow with another goal in less than a minute, at 14:10. Brahmas Forward Christian Venticinque would extend the team’s lead to 3-0 at 11:24, with the Brahmas holding a commanding lead by the end of the second period. In the third period, Brahmas Forward Vladimir Saibel would score the lone goal of the period with 45 seconds left on the clock. Lone Star proceeded to win the game 4-0 and extended their winning streak to four games. Nicolas Rempel started in net for the Brahmas and made 22 saves, as well as achieving a shutout. Michael Modelski started in net for El Paso. He made 18 saves, and would be in net for 28:57 minutes. Jakob Hanlan would be in net for El Paso with 28:37 minutes.

Minnesota W 6 @ Kenai River 4 - In a thrilling face-off at the Soldotna Regional Sports Complex, the Minnesota Wilderness emerged victorious over the Kenai River Brown Bears with a final score of 6-4. Minnesota's Noah Dziver was a standout, scoring twice and adding an assist, while Talan Blanck also contributed significantly with a goal and an assist. Caleb Kim added to the Wilderness's tally with a crucial goal, maintaining his position as the team's leading scorer with five goals this season. The Wilderness's power play was effective, scoring once from four opportunities. For the Brown Bears, Trevor Stewart shone brightly, scoring a power-play goal and earning the first star of the game. Dario Lass and David Greene added to the scoreboard in the third period but couldn't close the gap. Goaltender Mitchell McCusker faced a barrage, saving 10 of 16 shots.