AUSTIN, MN – After being swept last weekend in Aberdeen, the Bruins came back to Riverside Arena for a little revenge. They ultimately came away with a big 5-3 win.
Eight points separated the Bruins and the Wings for the top spot in the Division as the Bruins looked to gain some more momentum on a snowy Friday night in Austin. It would all start at the 9:06 mark of the 1st period when Walter Zacher would pick up his team-leading 16th goal on the season while on the Exit Reality Refined Power Play to give his team the early lead. That lead would be short-lived as two minutes later, Nils Forselius would tie the game up at 1-1. Moments later, Aberdeen would get their second of the period to give them the 2-1 lead as Logan Gravink would find the back of the net for his 2nd of the year.
The Wings would take that 2-1 lead to the locker room and would start the 2nd on top until Sam Christiano would get his 2nd of the season while on the Power Play to tie the game up at 2-2. Trent Wiemken for Austin and Gino Pichori would the Wings would both play a solid middle frame as both goalies would come up with some big-time stops to keep the game tied at 2-2 after the 2nd period.
That momentum that the Bruins would be looking for would come right away to start the 3rd period as Isaak Brassard, in his first game back since September, would pick up his 1st goal of the season to pull the Bruins head 3-2. Ocean Wallace and soon after Austin Salani would both score to then put the lead to three goals. Late in the 3rd, Aberdeen would find themselves on a 5-minute Power Play as Bruins Captian Jack Malinski would be assessed a roughing major and a game misconduct. This would allow Ronan Walsh to pick up his 6th goal of the year to pull the Wings back within two goals. That would be the closest they would get to a comeback and the Bruins would then shut the door and come away with a 5-3 win on home ice. Wiemken would see a total of 26 shots and stop 23 of them.
The Bruins look to complete the weekend sweep before the start of the NAHL Holiday Break tomorrow night for the Team’s annual Teddy Bear Toss Night presented by Austin Utilities. Fans are encouraged to bring a new or gently used stuffed animal to the Game! All stuffed animals and monetary donations collected will be given to the Salvation Army of Austin for a family in need this Holiday Season.
