AUSTIN, MN – John Wojciechowski’s goal just under 90 seconds into 3-on-3 overtime completed a three-goal comeback for the Austin Bruins as they defeated the Kenai River Brown Bears in their final preseason game on Saturday night at Riverside Arena.
Despite a first period shot advantage, the Bruins allowed the only goal of the opening frame when Kenai River converted a faceoff win into a goal just over two minutes in. Kenai would double its lead in the 2nd period, scoring early again for a 2-0 lead. Both goals were surrendered by Alex Schilling. Robbie Goor played the second half of the 60 minutes.
With just over five minutes remaining in the third, the Bruins finally broke through when Justin Misiak snuck a shot through from the right faceoff circle, his 2nd goal of the preseason. Pulling Goor for an extra attacker in the period’s final minute, Lucas Carroll led a drive to the net and AJ Drobot banged home a rebound to tie the game with just 20.5 seconds remaining.
The Bruins dominated possession in the overtime period and it was Misiak who skated a full circle in the offensive zone before finding room in the slot and creating a rebound for Wojciechowski to clean up and end the game.
The Bruins finished the preseason with a 2-2-0 record and will open the regular season on Wednesday at the NAHL Showcase in Blaine, MN against the Topeka RoadRunners. Game time is 7:15 and FASTHockey.com will carry the action, with pregame beginning at 7:05 on the “AWAY” feed. The Riverside Arena opener will be Friday, October 14th against the Bismarck Bobcats at 7:05.
