Veterans and Active Duty Military Honored on Veterans Day
Continuing their 4-game homestand, the Windigo welcomed the Springfield Jr. Blues to the historic Dome on Friday and Saturday (11/10-11/23). In honor of Veterans Day, the Windigo wore custom designed patriotic themed jerseys which were sold via a silent auction during the games. The Veterans Resource Center of Eagle River conducted a 50/50 raffle as well, with proceeds benefiting area veterans. Fans were treated to a Presentation of the Colors and a stunning rendition of the National Anthem sung by Rick Behrens prior to Saturday’s opening faceoff. The Windigo carried a 10-7-2 (wins-losses-overtime losses) into the weekend – good for second place in the Midwest Division behind the Minnesota Wilderness. Springfield was 6-10-2 going into the series.
Friday, November 10: Jr. Blues 5 at Windigo 4 (OT): The Windigo jumped out to an early lead 4:28 into the game when Will Schumacher (from Sam Groebner and Everett Pietila) scored his league leading 16th goal of the season. Schumacher would go on to add another goal on Friday and one Saturday to conclude the weekend with 18 goals on the season, solidify his status as the league’s leading goal scorer. Springfield tied the game briefly before Max Martin, assisted by Pietila and Tyler Grahme, scored to put the Windigo back up 2-1. Springfield scored shorthanded at the 18:40 mark to close out the first period in a tie. The teams traded goals in the second period, with Springfield striking first with another shorthanded goal. Schumacher (from Groebner and Grahme) tied the game near the end of the middle frame. The teams traded goals once again in the third period. Springfield’s third period goal was its third consecutive short-handed goal of the game. Martin (from Pietila) scored his 15th of the season to end regulation play in a 4-4 tie. An unfortunate penalty found the Windigo shorthanded just 30 seconds into overtime. Springfield took advantage of the power play opportunity and scored 1:26 into overtime to steal the road win. The Windigo outshot their opponent 31 to 22. The game was characterized by undisciplined play which resulted in a penalty filled contest in which each team was assessed 12 penalties. Windigo goalie Linards Lipskis took the loss in net for the Windigo.
Saturday, November 11: Jr. Blues 2 at Windigo 6: Game two of the weekend series took on a much different tone, only 11 penalties being called in total and fast-paced, disciplined hockey ruled the evening for the Windigo. Braydon Beahm (from Max Martin and Daniil Dolzhenko) and Daniil Dolzhenko (from Tyler Grahme) propelled the Windigo to an early 2-goal lead. Springfield responded 15:09 into the first period with their first goal of the game. Windigo co-captains Max Martin (from Cashen Naeve and Sam Groebner) and Will Schumacher (from Erick Comstock and Grahme) responded with goals in quick succession to close the first period 4-1 in favor of the Windigo. Springfield scored 6:19 into the second period to cut their deficit to 2 goals. Windigo defenseman Leo Eperjesi put the Windigo back up by 3, when he scored on a shot from the low slot. Eperjesi’s goal was set up by a nice pass from below the goal line by Elliot Gulley. Camden Markham was credited with the second assist on the play. Windigo forward Zach Cline closed out the scoring 3:42 into the third period. Cline was assisted by Daniil Dolzhenko and Lucas Busch. Maxwell Beckford appeared in his first game this season for the Windigo and turned away 17 of the 19 shots he faced in net. Beckford rejoined the team earlier this week after starting the season in the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL). The Windigo outshot their opponent 24 to 19 in the contest. Martin’s performance during the weekend widened his lead as the league’s top scorer with 16 goals and 22 assists in 21 games played. Teammate Tyler Grahme holds down third place in league scoring with 9 goals and 21 assists. Windigo co-captain Will Schumacher leads the league in goals scored with 18 goals in the 19 games he has played this season. Martin’s big weekend in which he had four points (3 goals and 1 assist) resulted in him being named Bauer Midwest Division Star of the Week.
Coach’s Comments: Windigo head coach Blake Hietala shared the following after the weekend series: “I was disappointed in our play on Friday. We took a number of bad penalties and there were some questionable calls. Undisciplined play was our downfall, but we still had the opportunity to win the game. Overcoming 3 short-handed goals against is a tall task. Our game on Saturday was more like we scripted. It was great to see six different goal scorers. I was equally impressed with our defensive play. To yield only 19 shots on net in any hockey game is an accomplishment. Daniil Dolzhenko had a great game on both ends of the ice. Martin, Schumacher and Grahme are dynamic players who are fun to watch. They are playing with confidence and that translates to success.”