MINOT, N.D. – Austin scored the first goal of the game, and more importantly the last, as they snapped their five-game losing streak with a 4-3 win over the Minot Minotauros in the shootout.
On the road, the Bruins knew it was crucial to get the first goal and wasted no time completing their mission. Only 2:08 into the game, Carson Riddle netted his fourth goal of the season off a redirection and past Minotauros goalie Ben Garrity for the 1-0 lead. The Bruins kept up the pace, but Minot rebounded and managed to tie the game later in the period off the stick of Jay Bucholz who slammed home a loose puck past Brett Miller. With the score tied 1-1, the teams headed to the locker room at the first intermission.
In the second period, Minot came out adjusted and scored the next two goals taking a 3-1 lead. Later in the second Austin mounted the comeback. Tiernan Shoudy took a touch-pass from Dante Sheriff in the slot and snapped off a wrister that flew by Garrity to pull the Bruins within one, 3-2.
In the third period, Austin wasted no time tying things up. Exactly 60 seconds into the period when Josef Mysak sent a laser from the right point that found the back of the net. With the score even at 3-3, both teams battled back but couldn’t find a winner in regulation and overtime was needed. Both teams had their chances in the 3-on-3 overtime, including Dante Sheriff who came inches away from winning the game with a solid chance, but neither goaltender cracked forcing a shootout.
Up first for the Bruins was Riddle, who tried to go blocker side on Garrity but was stopped. Minot counted with Ville Immonen who went glove side on Brett Miller but couldn’t find daylight. Second up for the Bruins was Mysak who slipped a wrister in for the game’s first shootout goal. Minot followed with Cade Stibbe who, like Immonen, was stopped by Miller. Off the bench for the third round, with the game on his stick was Ben Almquist. The Victoria, Minnesota, native brought it into the high slot and won the game for the Bruins with a shootout goal.
With the win, Austin moves to 6-2-1-1 on the season while Minot drops to 7-1-1-2. The Bruins and Minotauros renew their rivalry on Saturday night when the two teams meet for a rematch at Maysa Arena. Austin returns to Riverside Arena on Saturday, November 2 against the Minnesota Magicians. Tickets go on sale this Monday at all the Bruins vendors including Games People Play, Hy-Vee, Holiday Inn, and Jim’s Marketplace.
