Friday Finals: Maryland Extends Win Streak

Janesville 1 @ Wisconsin 3 - The Janesville Jets made the short trip to The Ponds of Brookfield for this Saturday afternoon matchup between their Midwest Division Opponent the Wisconsin Windigo. Wisconsin got right on the gas early with Alexios Georgaklis scored a blistering one timer goal from an amazing feed by Samuel Misak. Both teams continued to pepper shots in the period but Christopher Prater for the Jets, and Casimir Weckstrom for the Windigo keeping the game 1-0. Brendan Finley of the Windigo would score his third of the season assisted by Lucas Goodfellow to bring the game to 2-0 heading into the 2nd period. The second continued with the fast paced action of the 1st period with neither team giving an inch. Hans Hedlund would get the Jets on the board with his 8th of the season on the powerplay assisted by Joseph Hyten. The 2nd period would continue being back and forth with the score being 2-1 for the Windigo to start the 3rd. The goaltenders would stand on their head all period with Casmir Wecstrom of the Windigo turning away 21 shots in the 3rd period alone. Samuel Misak would add the final tally of the game for Wisconsin with just three seconds left in the game, bringing the final to 3-1 for Wisconsin. The 3 Stars of the game were Casmir Weckstrom with 47 saves on 48 shots, Samuel Misak with 1 goal and Brendan Finley earning the 1st star honors with 1 goal.

New Hampshire 1 @ Maryland 4 - Maryland comes into this matchup in 1st place in the East division while New Hampshire is still trying to gain growth at 8th place. These two teams began their battle at Piney Orchard Ice Arena with an exciting matchup ahead. Maryland started the scoring off with a Tanner Duncan power play goal assisted by Jaden Sikura and Vincent Glos. The Blackbears were quick to add to their lead with Brayden Wade adding another tally assisted by Mate Tardi and Jonathan Lanza, bringing the score to 2-0. With just 1:18 left in the period, Tanner Antcil of the Mountain Kings was able to bring his team within one going into the 2nd. The 2nd period started out with Maryland putting on the pressure not allowing New Hampshire time and space. Tanner Duncan would score his second of the night at the 15:58 mark bringing the score to 3-1. Daniel Johnson would add another goal just three minutes later giving Maryland the 4-1 only halfway through the 2nd period. To start the 3rd, New Hampshire came out of the gate hot but was met by a stellar performance in net by Black Bears goalie Dom Gatto turning away 17 of 18 shots in the game. The final horn would ring out bringing the final to 4-1 in favor of the Black Bears. The 3 Stars of the game were Brady Anes, Dom Gatto, and Tanner Duncan earning the 1st star honors. These two teams face off again tonight at 7pm.

Northeast 4 @ Elmira 5 (OT) - The Aviators and Generals came together Friday night for an exciting game that ended in overtime. This was the home opener for the Aviators and they did not want to disappoint their fans. The Generals started the game flying, striking first with an early goal from Alec Hall, his 5th of the season. Luke Drury was quick to add another goal for the Generals giving them the early 2-0 lead. Elmira would battle back and add their own tally from Maximus Mcguire assisted by Cody Powell with just 1:41 remaining in the period. The 2nd period would continue with the fast paced action from both teams. At the 12:38 mark, Cael Primanti would tie the game for Elmira bringing the score to 2-2. With both teams trading chances the period would end without any more goals setting us up for an exciting 3rd period. With all the fast paced action from the first two periods, the scoring finally began to open up. Cole McKenna would give Northeast the early lead on the powerplay. Jack Kohlmann and the Aviators were quick to answer though just three minutes later to tie the game at 3. Spencer Hirsch would squeak past the defenceman to earn himself a shorthanded goal giving Northeast the lead with just under eight minutes to play. The Aviators used this to earn the tying goal on the same powerplay, with Matt Maglio scoring his 3rd of the season. Both goalies continued to play lights out, with the 3rd period coming to an end, we had ourselves overtime hockey. Elmira would complete the comeback game with Yianni Koukoves scoring his 2nd of the season and giving the Aviators the home opener win in front of almost 900 beloved fans.

Danbury 2 @ Philadelphia 1 - In a hard-fought battle at Hollydell Ice Arena, the Danbury Hat Tricks edged out the Philadelphia Rebels with a 2-1 victory.  Danbury's Tanner Terranova broke the ice early in the second period with a power-play goal, assisted by Ryan Lukko and Jeremy Sprung. The Hat Tricks capitalized again on a power-play opportunity in the third period as Luke Melnik extended the lead to 2-0, with Kai Elkie providing the assist. Philadelphia tried to mount a comeback with Johnny Conlin finding the net at 12:36 of the third period, thanks to Alex Lunski's assist, but it wasn't enough to overcome Danbury's lead. Conlin's performance, highlighted by his goal and multiple penalties, earned him the third star of the game. Danbury's Jon Dukaric was stellar between the pipes, stopping 24 out of 25 shots, securing him the first star. Philadelphia's Ilja Nikitins also put up a valiant effort with 30 saves on 32 shots, maintaining a save percentage of .911.

Johnstown 7 @ Rochester 0 - The Rochester Jr. Americans faced a tough opponent in the Johnstown Tomahawks at the Rochester Ice Center, culminating in a decisive 7-0 defeat. The Tomahawks showcased their offensive prowess with standout performances from Shane Tronoski, who netted two goals and an assist, and Emerson Marshall, who contributed with a goal and two assists, earning them the first and second stars of the game, respectively. Goalie Zack Ferris put on an impeccable display, stopping all 32 shots to earn a shutout and the third star. Jensen Carlstrom, starting in goal for Rochester, faced an onslaught with 26 shots against, conceding six goals before being replaced by Dylan Michelow. Despite Rochester's efforts, their defense faltered, allowing two power-play goals and a shorthanded goal. The loss extends Rochester's losing streak to four games, while Johnstown continues a strong season with a record of 7-1-2, solidifying their position atop the East Division.

Austin 6 @ North Iowa 2 - The battle between the 2nd and 3rd place teams in the Central Division was set at Mason City Arena for a Friday night game. North Iowa would start the scoring off with Bobby Thornton earning his 1st tally of the season assisted by Denis Hodas and Michael Malatino. This would be the only goal of the period as Cody Butkis of Austin and Aaron Sachs of North Iowa would control the net on either end. Austin would waste no time tying the game at 1 with Ryan Lund earning a power play goal assisted by EJ Paddington and Siamion Marshchanok at the 17:21 mark of the 2nd. The two teams would continue to battle until Tucker Lovejoy of the Bruins would bring the game to 2-1 with a goal assisted by Ryan Lund and Liam Bayati. North Iowa was quick to answer with Drake Maresca scoring the tying goal to make the game 2-2 going into the 3rd period. The Austin Bruins would waste no time taking control of the game with a goal by Matsvei Marshchanok assisted by his brother Siamion Marshchankok and JJ Franceschetti. Alvin Elisson would add another tally just 3 minutes later bringing the game to 4-2. Nathan Williams would earn himself a shorthanded tally, and Trace Day would earn his 3rd of the season on the power play bringing the final score to 6-2. These teams face off again tomorrow night.

Corpus Christi 4 @ Shreveport 6 - The Corpus Christi Icerays faced the Shreveport Mudbugs tonight at George’s Pond in Shreveport, Louisiana. The Mudbugs defeated the Icerays 6-4 in a close contest. Carter Mckay got Shreveport on the board within the first minute of the match, but Corpus Christi quickly responded with a goal from Grayson Cohen. The Mudbugs’s offense kept their momentum going as Evan Hoglund and Mckay notched two more points on the board, ending the opening frame with a score of 3-1. The Icerays dominated the middle frame as they earned three points; Grayson Gerhard, Chase Nehring, and Jack Mackenzie each scored a goal to take the lead. Andrej Paricka tied up the contest with a goal for the Mudbugs to end the second period. Shreveport earned the win in the final frame with two more goals scored by Paricka and Mckay that were left unanswered. Cassidy Kittredge and Vladislav Bryzgalov defended Corpus Christi in net tonight, while Micah Adams and Tyler Hodges supported Shreveport between the pipes.

Minot 3 @ Aberdeen 5 - The Minot Minotauros took on the Aberdeen Wings at Odde Ice Center in Aberdeen, South Dakota. The Minotauros ultimately lost 5-3 as the Wings extended their win streak. The Wings kicked off the contest with a goal scored by Jack McDonough off of a pass by Matthew Martin. Michael Solominsky responded for the Minotauros with a goal to end the opening frame. Keaton Weis earned the only point in the second period and gave the Wings the lead heading into the final frame. Aberdeen extended their lead in the third period with a pair of goals scored by Martin and Sam Scheetz. The Minotauros fought back as Artem Prima and Jakub Habla scored back-to-back goals, but Owen Pitters secured the win for Aberdeen with a power play goal to end the contest. Adam Dybal defended Aberdeen’s victory with 30 saves in net, and Magnus Loponen supported Minot in net with 29 saves.

St. Cloud 1 @ Bismarck 9 - The Bismark Bobcats extended their win streak tonight as they defeated the St. Cloud Norsemen 9-1 at the VFW Sports Center in Bismarck, North Dakota. The Bobcats had an impressive five-goal opening frame, with Alexander Stephen earning the first point of the night off of a pass by Mark Evans. Gianni Divita followed suite with back-to-back goals; Camden Alemond and George Poirier wrapped up the first period with a goal each. Gabriel Bugeaud scored the lone goal for St. Cloud: a powerplay goal in the middle frame. Bismarck quickly responded with another goal scored by Mathias Kristiansen to end the period. The Bobcats secured the win with three more points in the final frame from Cooper Williams, Ben Rakowski, and Noah Ziskie. In net, Beck Liden and Zach Price supported the Norsemen with a combined 34 saves. Kai Weigel was the star of tonight’s game as he defended the Bobcats with 24 saves in net. St. Cloud has the opportunity to snap Bismarck’s win streak as they compete again tomorrow in Bismarck.

Oklahoma 2 @ Lone Star 6 - In a commanding display at the NYTEX Sports Centre, the Lone Star Brahmas triumphed over the Oklahoma Warriors with a decisive 6-2 victory. The Brahmas took an early lead, scoring three goals in the first period, with standout performances from Tyson Scanlon, who netted twice, and Camden Prier, who converted on a power play. The Warriors managed a response with AJ Iwinski and Jaxson Kaebel each finding the net, but the Brahmas maintained their momentum. Vinzenzo Capano extended the lead in the second period, followed by goals from Samuel Lussier and Leo Isaksson in the third, solidifying the Brahmas' dominance.  Goaltender Brady Krey was pivotal, saving 20 of 22 shots, while Billy Stuski for the Warriors faced a relentless 37 shots, saving 31. The Brahmas' special teams were effective, capitalizing on two power-play opportunities. The victory marks their seventh win of the season, maintaining an impressive start with a 7-1-1-1 record. Tyson Scanlon, Leo Isaksson, and Gustav Lexell were named the three stars of the game, highlighting their crucial roles in this home victory.

Minnesota W 4 @ Anchorage 3 - In a thrilling encounter at Sullivan Arena, the Minnesota Wilderness edged out the Anchorage Wolverines 4-3, continuing their strong start to the season. Despite a strong performance by Anchorage, led by goals from Sam Evert, Andrew Karkoc, and Connor Jalbert, it was not enough to overcome the visitors. Minnesota took an early lead with Caleb Kim finding the net just 1:14 into the game, assisted by Noah Dziver. Jackson Knight extended the advantage at 8:39, but Sam Evert responded for Anchorage, cutting the deficit to 2-1 by the end of the first period. The second period saw Andrew Karkoc level the score for Anchorage, assisted by Luc Bydal and Cole Frawner, but Minnesota's Dziver restored their lead with a power-play goal at 12:27. Connor Jalbert brought Anchorage back into contention early in the third, but Jackson Reeves sealed the win for Minnesota with a late strike at 19:44. Anchorage's Andrew Saxe faced 31 shots, saving 27, while Minnesota’s Valdemar Andersen made 35 saves from 38 shots. The Wilderness remain unbeaten on the road, while Anchorage seeks to rebound from their third consecutive loss.

Springfield 2 @ Fairbanks 3 - In a thrilling encounter at the Big Dipper Ice Arena, the Fairbanks Ice Dogs edged out the Springfield Jr. Blues with a 3-2 victory. The game marked Fairbanks' fifth win of the season, providing a strong start for the Midwest Division leaders. Springfield took an early lead in the first period, courtesy of Niko Laus, who netted two goals, including a power-play goal assisted by Conner Broadhead. However, Fairbanks responded in the second period with a power-play goal by Cooper Siegert, assisted by Clarke Nehmens and Luca Ricciardi, narrowing the gap. The decisive moments came in the third period, with Fairbanks' Mason Knaffla scoring at 8:38, assisted by Dub Eunice III and Ian Kuisis. Alex Hall sealed the victory with a late goal, supported by Gage Leonard and Dean Andrews. Fairbanks' goalie Mason McElroy showcased resilience, saving 11 of 13 shots. Springfield's Branson Appelman also delivered a commendable performance with 17 saves. The victory extended Fairbanks' winning streak to three games, while Springfield's record now stands at 2-4-2.