Austin Bests Kenai River in Battle of Bears

Sep 11, 2018

AUSTIN, Minn. – Carson Riddle gets his second two-goal game in as many nights and Andrew Farah turns aside 25 shots to help the Bruins over the Kenai River Brown Bears, 3-0.

For the second straight game, the Bruins found themselves in a rough and tumble battle during the game’s infancy. Both Austin and Kenai River found themselves trading hits, penalties, and even shots in the first period. Neither team was able to crack the goose eggs as they skated to the locker room after 20 minutes, locked in a scoreless tie.

Out of the gate in the second, the Bruins came with speed and determination resulting in the games first goal. Andy Willis shook off checks right outside the crease and poked the puck past Kenai River netminder Kevin Lake for the 1-0 Bruins lead. It was the first game this preseason where Austin scored the opening goal. Moments later, the momentum seemed to swing the in the favor of the Brown Bears when Bruins forward Hugh Larkin was called for high-sticking. With Larkin in the box, the Bruins doubled their lead to 2-0 when Carson Riddle slammed home his third goal in two games despite Austin being down a man. Riddle’s goal slid through Kenai River goalie Dennis Westergard, who replaced Kevin Lake at the midway point of the game.

Much like the fans at Riverside Arena saw on Saturday night against Janesville, the Bruins shifted to a powerful and imposing complexion with the lead. The defense tightened up, laying down blocks and hits at every turn and goaltender Andrew Farah turned aside (shots) to get the (shutout) and the win. To ice the game, Carson Riddle would net his fourth goal in two games, an empty-netter on the power play to ice the game.

The Bruins hit the road for their next preseason game, a matchup against rival Minnesota Magicians on Friday, September 14. A quick turnaround has the Bruins back at Riverside arena on Saturday, September 15, their final preseason game. Tickets for Saturday’s battle are on sale through the Bruins front office by calling 507-434-4978 or by stopping by the box-office after doors open on the night of the game. Puck drop at 7:05, doors open at 6:00.

Stay tuned to all Bruins social media including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to keep up-to-date with all the happening at Riverside Arena and beyond. For information and news, stop by austinbruins.com.