The January struggles for the Magicians (14-19-4) continued last weekend as Minot came to town and won a pair of games at Richfield Ice Arena. The Magicians are now 1-7 in the new year, and have fallen into last place in the Central Division. The schedule doesn't get any easier this week as the Magicians face the Austin Bruins (21-16-1), who are tied for the division lead with 43 points, in a home and home series.
Weekend Recap:
Friday
The Minot Minotauros came into town last weekend for a 2-game set with the Minnesota Magicians at Richfield Ice Arena. On Friday night, Minot got the scoring started in the first period and took a 1-0 lead into the intermission. In the second period, the Magicians evened the score on a goal by Casey Jerry (Joe Nathe, Brady Heppner) at the 3-minute mark. Later in the period, it was Pierce Crawford lighting the lamp assisted by Casey Jerry and John Peterson to give the Magicians a 2-1 lead heading into the third period. In the final frame, Minot was able to take control with 3 unanswered goals and claim a 4-2 victory over the Magicians. Goaltender Will Ulrich stopped 32 of the 35 shots that he faced in the game.
Saturday:
On Saturday, the Magicians were able to score quickly on a goal by Travis Brown (Pierce Crawford, Brady Heppner) just over a minute into the game. Late in the first period, two Minotauros goals gave them the lead heading into the intermission. In the second period, the Magicians were able to answer with a powerplay goal by John Peterson (Pierce Crawford, Jake Cass) to tie the game. The remainder of the period was scoreless, and the two teams entered the third with the game up for grabs. Just like the night before, Minot was able to come up with 3 goals in a row to take control of the game. A late goal by Jack Christensen (Kyle Wagner, Johnny Panvica) was of little significance, and Minot was able to answer with an empty net goal to make the final 6-3. Magicians goaltender Will Ulrich was between the pipes once again, making 25 saves on 29 shots.
The Magicians are off to Austin to face the Bruins on Friday night at Riverside Arena, and the teams will face off in a rematch on Saturday night in Richfield.