The Austin Bruins traveled to Bismarck North Dakota to battle the Bismarck Bobcats in a best of five series that will determine the Central Division Championship. The Bobcats took an early lead with a goal on the power play. The Bobcats took a 2-0 lead as Castan Sommer went five hole on Tyler Bruggeman. The Bruins were able to answer back on the power play with a big goal by Austin native John Kirby, assisting was Jake Flynn. At the end of one period of play Bismarck led 2-1. The second frame Austin was able to tie the game at two as John Simonson was set up by Chris Fischer. The Bobcats added two more, one on the power play as Bismarck led 4-2. The Bobcats added one more on a rush as they led 5-2. After two periods of play Bismarck led 5-2 and had outshot Austin 30-23. The third frame Ryan Callahan gave the Bobcats a 6-2 lead. John Simonson was able to get the Bruins third goal as Jake Flynn tallied his second assist on the night. The Bruins continued to apply pressure in third but could not prevail. The Bobcats lead the series 1-0 with a 6-3 victory. Austin will play game two tomorrow night at the VFW center for live play by play log onto Fast Hockey.com
