Much to the disappointment of the large crowds in attendance at the Dome, the Windigo’s first home series of the 2023-24 season resulted in two losses to the Fairbanks Ice Dogs. The Windigo brought a record of 3 wins and 1 loss into the contest, while the struggling Ice Dogs had only 1 win in their first 6 games. Fairbanks’ lineup of younger and less inexperienced players outworked and outplayed the Windigo in virtually every aspect of the game all weekend. Repeated turnovers and an ineffective power play were too much for the Windigo to overcome.
Wednesday, September 22: Fairbanks 4, Windigo 1: Fairbanks took advantage of sloppy puck movement and struck first on a shorthanded goal with 13:30 remaining in first period. They scored again just over a minute later. Will Schumacher scored a 4 on 3 power play goal to bring the Windigo to within one, to close out the scoring in the first period. Fairbanks scored three consecutive goals in the second period, including a power play goal. The Windigo were kept at bay on 6 power play attempts, while Fairbanks went 1 for 3 with the man advantage. Windigo netminder Linards Lipskis (2-2) had 29 saves, while his teammates mustered 21 shots on Fairbanks.
(Photos courtesy of Kitty Sookochoff)
Thursday, September 23: Fairbanks 4, Windigo 2: Game 2 of the series saw the Windigo put up a better effort against the gritty visitors from Alaska. The Windigo were granted two power play opportunities early in the first period, but failed to convert. Fairbanks scored with just over three minutes remaining in the first and again early in the second period. Offensive minded defenseman Erick Comstock scored his third goal of the young season to put the Windigo on the board early in the third period. Teammate Jacob Jastrzebski scored his first goal as a Windigo to tie the game 2 minutes later. Jastrzebski’s unassisted goal was the result of a great individual effort in which he intercepted a Fairbank’s clearing attempt, drove to the net and fired a wrister past the Fairbanks goalie to the far side. The goal seemed to spark the Windigo briefly, but Fairbanks snuffed out any hopes for a Windigo comeback with two consecutive goals. The final goal came when Nick Blood skated thru two Windigo defenders and fired a shot past Logan Rose. Rose (1-1) suffered his first loss in goal for the Windigo with 23 saves. The Windigo outshot Fairbanks 36 to 27. The contest was characterized by physical play, with 15 penalties assessed.
Next: Kenai River (Soldotna, AK) visits the Dome in Eagle River on September 29 and 30. Puck drop is at 7pm both games. Tickets are available online at www.wisconsinjuniorhockey.com/tickets or at the door. Limited reserve section access is available for $15 and general admission is $10.