The Minnesota Magicians (20-11-4) continued their hot streak to start 2017 with a victory in their only game last weekend, besting the Austin Bruins (16-16-4) 2-1 at Richfield Ice Arena on January 13th. The Magicians are comfortably in 2nd place in the Midwest Division sitting 12 points ahead of 3rd place Springfield. The red-hot Janesville Jets currently lead the Division and sport the best record in the league at 29-5-3. The Jets come to town for a showdown with the Magicians on January 20th and 21st at Richfield Ice Arena.
In their lone game of the weekend, the Magicians played in a defensive battle with the Bruins. A scoreless 1st period set the tone for the game, as each team played tight defense and limited mistakes. It wasn’t until late in the 2nd period that the scoreless tie was broken, as Magicians captain Will Hammer found the back of the net on a goal assisted by Matt Denman and Tanner Tweten. Austin tied the game midway through the third period, and it look like overtime was inevitable until Tanner Tweten scored a late goal with help from Mitch Slattery and Travis Brown to give the Magicians a 2-1 lead with less than two minutes remaining. Goaltender Ivan Prosvetov was fantastic throughout the game, making 33 saves on his way to earning the victory.
The Magicians now own one of the best records in the North American Hockey League (NAHL), as they seek to earn a first round home ice advantage in the playoffs. Up next for the Magicians is a two-game home set vs. the Janesville Jets at Richfield Ice Arena on Friday January 20th and Saturday January 21st. Tickets and specials are currently available at www.wisconsinjuniorhockey.com.