North American Hockey League team, the Minnesota Magicians, finished the first weekend of the season with a 1-1 record.
The Magicians faced the Fairbanks Ice Dogs back to back last weekend. The team lost at their home opener on Sept. 28, posting a score of 3-0. Some veteran players said the team was often stuck in the defensive zone throughout the night, allowing the Ice Dogs to easily score.
“We came into the first game, kind of nonchalantly. We expected a win [on Friday], but we were able to pull it together and win Saturday,” veteran player, Valentino Passarelli, said.
The team won 3-2 on Sept. 29, scoring one goal per period.
“We’re happy with the weekend, but we know we have more to give as a team,” head coach A.J. Bucchino said.
Both Bucchino and the players agreed that the team needed to focus on structure and organization during practices this week. Defenseman Andrew Kruse said the team has been working on the defensive zone responsibility.
The Magicians hope to use the experiences from last weekend as they face the Minnesota Wilderness Friday and Saturday, Bucchino reported.
“We’re expecting a great competition. It’s a strong league, so no matter who we play, we have to be ready,” Bucchino said. “It’s a big weekend for us. It will really establish our identity and where we are as a team.”
Writer,
Rachel Bucchino