WEEKEND PREVIEW: Bruins Open December Hosting Aberdeen

Nov 30, 2016

Photo credit: AberdeenNews.com

It was a strong month of November for the Austin Bruins, who through a nine-game schedule full of tough opponents, finished the stretch, 5-1-3. They wrapped up the month with two wins around the Thanksgiving holiday – in Janesville on Wednesday the 23rd and at home against the Magicians on Saturday. With eight more games before the Christmas break, the Bruins now strive to finish the first half within striking distance of still first-place Minot.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR –

Oh Captain, My Captain: Travis Kothenbeutel led his team both on and off the ice in November, racking up 11 points (4 goals, 7 assists) in the 9 games, including two goals this past Saturday in the home win over the Magicians. Kothenbeutel now leads the Bruins in goals (9) and points (20). He’s averaging just under a point-per-game (0.91) this season.

Flying Teddy Bears: If you’re coming out to Saturday’s game, be sure to bring stuffed animal donations to toss onto the ice after the Bruins first goal. All proceeds from our annual Teddy Bear Toss will benefit the Salvation Army of Austin. Power 96 Radio is the official sponsor of this year’s event.

Rollin’ at Riverside: After winning their final five games on home ice last season, the Bruins have continued their success at Riverside Arena this year, getting off to a 5-3-1 start. They picked up a point in all five November home contests, going 4-0-1, the lone blemish – a shootout loss to Coulee Region on November 12th.

Struggling Wings: Aberdeen snapped a five-game losing streak with a last-second win in Bismarck last Wednesday, but still find themselves last place in the Central, with just 19 points and an 8-11-3 record. They had won three straight prior to their five-game skid and did beat the Bruins, 5-2 in the only meeting so far this season, October 8th at Odde Ice Center.

 

THE MATCHUPS –

Central Division Standings:

TEAM GP W L OTL PTS
Minot 23 15 6 2 32
MN Wilderness 26 13 11 2 28
Brookings 21 12 7 2 26
Austin 22 10 8 4 24
Bismarck 23 11 11 1 23
Aberdeen 22 8 11 3 19

 

2015-16 Austin vs. Aberdeen head to head (Bruins won 8-3-1)

10/23/15 Austin 3 at Aberdeen 1
10/24/15 Austin 6 at Aberdeen 2
12/04/15 Aberdeen 0 at Austin 3

12/05/15 Aberdeen 1 at Austin 5
01/08/16 Aberdeen 2 at Austin 3/OT
01/09/16 Aberdeen 1 at Austin 4
02/19/16 Austin 3 at Aberdeen 4/OT
02/20/16 Austin 1 at Aberdeen 4
03/25/16 Austin 2 at Aberdeen 4
03/26/16 Austin 7 at Aberdeen 5
04/08/16 Aberdeen 2 at Austin 0
04/09/16 Aberdeen 3 at Austin 4

2016-17 Austin vs. Aberdeen head to head (Wings lead 1-0-0)

10/08/16 Austin 2 at Aberdeen 5
12/02/16 @ Austin – 7:05 PM

12/03/16 @ Austin – 7:05 PM
01/07/17 @ Aberdeen – 7:15 PM
02/03/17 @ Austin – 7:05 PM
02/04/17 @ Austin – 7:05 PM
03/03/17 @ Aberdeen – 7:15 PM
03/04/17 @ Aberdeen – 7:15 PM

HOW TO FOLLOW THE GAMES –

It’s a 7:05 puck drop on Friday and Saturday night at Riverside Arena, with gates opening at 6:00. On Saturday, Power 96 radio will be broadcasting live from the lobby from 5-7 PM and raffling off two Nickelodeon Universe Prize Packs from the Mall of America. Fans are encouraged to bring stuffed animals for the Teddy Bear Toss.

Both games will be broadcast live on HockeyTV.com (HOME FEED) with coverage beginning at 6:55 PM. Game updates for all games can be found on Facebook and Twitter (@theaustinbruins).