The Austin Bruins kicked off the first round of the playoffs at Riverside Arena Friday night. The first period was as action packed as Riverside has ever seen. Austin fired 10 pucks on Tyler Parks, while Nick Lehr saw just 5. Both clubs played a very physical style in the first frame. At the first intermission the contest was scoreless. The second period Mike Bond gave Austin a 1-0 lead, assists went to CJ Smith and Chris Fischer. Minot was able to counter quickly with a tally from Cam Rowat. Just 25 seconds later the B’s regained the lead. Grant Eichstadt had the goal; assists went to Travis Maxwell and Drew Anderson. At the end of two frames Austin led 2-1. The third featured more physical play from both teams. The Bruins Captain Nolan Kirley found the twine late in the third, when Minot pulled goaltender Tyler Parks. At the end of regulation Austin won 3-1 taking game one of the best of five series. The playoffs continue Saturday night at Riverside Arena. If you don’t make it to the Barn you can tune into AM 1480 KAUS for live play by play.
