*Photo contributed by Brittany Hart – @britt_harttt on Instagram
This past weekend, the Wisconsin Windigo traveled to Springfield, IL for two games with the Jr. Blues on Friday, Oct. 31 and Saturday, Nov. 1. Even though the Windigo fell short in game two of the series, the team won the first contest, which ultimately grew their winning streak to four games.
Friday, Oct. 31
In the series opener, the Windigo stayed hot and won their fourth consecutive game, as they won 3-2 over the Jr. Blues. The victory would be the team’s ninth in a row against Springfield, as Wisconsin swept the season series 8-0 a year ago.
Wisconsin opened the scoring with less than 20 seconds to go in the first period when center Payton Mithmuangneua tipped in a shot from long range by second-year defenseman Riley Joslin. Mithmuangneua’s goal was his second of the season and fifth overall point through eight games.
Just under a minute into the second period, the Windigo struck the back of the net again with a power-play tally. Second-year Windigo forward Teddy Richardson scored his fifth goal of the season to put Wisconsin up 2-0. After Springfield responded with a goal a few minutes later, the Windigo answered back when center AJ Bongiorno redirected a shot from second-year forward Beau Kralovec to put Wisconsin up 3-1. The goal was Bongiorno’s first of the season and he helped second-year defenseman Michael Ryan secure his second assist of the period.
The second period also saw a fight between winger Ryan Mottau for Wisconsin and Padraic Whited with the Jr. Blues after Whited cross-checked Mithmuangneau in the face. Both were given game misconducts and missed the second game of the series a day later.
Springfield would get one goal back late in the third period, but it wouldn’t be enough as the Windigo held on for the win. In goal for Wisconsin, rookie Max Kogler bounced back from his last appearance in a big way, as he stopped 29 of 31 shots on target en route to the win.
Saturday, Nov. 1
In the second game of the season series, the Windigo fell to the Jr. Blues 6-2, marking their first loss since Oct. 17. The game was highlighted by five power-play goals scored by Springfield, three of which were scored by forward Niko Laus.
Despite the loss, Windigo skaters Cal Grilz and Alexios Georgaklis were still able to find the back of the net. Grilz tallied his goal off a feed from rookie forward Sutton Verot to level the score at one apiece early in the second period. Georgaklis found the twine on a third-period power-play for his fifth goal of the season.
On the Windigo’s second goal, Ryan picked up his third assist of the weekend. Second-year forward Ronnie Hill also assisted the score for his second helper in as many games. In net, Easton Cody made 14 saves on 20 attempts.
Windigo Stats
The Windigo are led in points by Georgaklis, Richardson and Ryan, who all have 15 points. Ryan has three goals and a team-high 12 assists, while both Georgaklis and Richardson have five goals and 10 helpers. They are tied with Hill and rookie forward Brendan Finley for the team lead in goals.
Between the pipes, the Windigo have had solid performances from all three of their goaltending options this season. Through five games, Kogler leads the team with a 3-1-0 record. Rookie netminder Casimir Weckstrom has a 3-3-1 record and leads the team with a 2.319 GAA and a .927 save percentage.
Ryan and Georgaklis both hit statistical milestones this past weekend. With his trio of helpers, Ryan raised his total to 40 and became the defenseman with the most assists in Windigo history, passing Mario DiMaggio. Georgaklis’ twine finder in the second game brought his all-time total to 22 goals, which enters him into the top-10 in Windigo history.
Standings
After splitting the pair of games from the weekend slate, the Windigo remain in fourth place in the NAHL Midwest Division standings with an 8-8-1 record. Springfield ranks fifth and has a 6-7-3 record. The Minnesota Wilderness still lead the Midwest, but the gap has shrunk sizably with the Fairbanks Ice Dogs on their heels in second place.
Up Next
After the three-week road trip, the Windigo are set to return to home ice for a two-game series with the Minnesota Wilderness. Puck Drop for both games is set for 7:35 PM Central Time and the series will kick off on Friday, Nov. 7.
Tickets for each game can be purchased from the team’s website and can also be accessed using this link. If you can’t be there in person, all Windigo home games can be streamed on NATV. Visit nahltv.com for more details.
