The Wisconsin Windigo opened the 2023-24 regular season with 4 games at the NAHL Showcase, held September 13-16 at the National Sports Center in Blaine, MN. After dropping the opener on Wednesday to the Northeast Generals, the Windigo went on to sweep the remaining three games. NAHL teams played 4 regular-season games at the Showcase, which is one of hockey’s most prominent events of the entire season, becoming the ‘Greatest Show on Ice.’ The Showcase attracted over 9,000 in overall attendance, including more than 330 professional, college and junior scouts. The NAHL Showcase is a yearly gathering for every NCAA program and NHL team as they get their first look at some of the best and brightest hockey talent North America has to offer.
Wednesday, September 13: Northeast Generals 6, Windigo 3: The Windigo applied an aggressive forecheck to put the Generals on their heels during most of the first period. They struck first on goals by defensemen Erick Comstock and Daniil Dolzhenko early in the first period. The Generals came roaring back scoring 5 consecutive goals, one at the end of the first period, three in the second and one in the third. Tyler Grahme got the Windigo back in the game at 11:43 of the third period. Grahme’s goal sparked his teammates, as the Windigo generated several good scoring chances late in the game. The Generals scored an empty netter to seal the victory. Windigo newcomer Linards Lipskis had a strong performance in net with 25 saves on 31 shots. The Windigo registered 41 shots. The Generals would go on to be the only undefeated team at the Showcase.
Thursday, September 14: Windigo 3, New Jersey Titans 0: Windigo goalie Linards Lipskis stopped all 27 shots that came his way in a shutout over New Jersey. The Riga Latvia native was acquired in a trade with the Bismarck Bobcats on September 3. Max Martin started the scoring for the Windigo 5 minutes into the game, assisted by Jacob Jastrzebski. Will Schumacher (from Everett Pietila and Tyler Grahme) scored a few minutes later, to put the Windigo up 2-0. After a scoreless second period, Schumacher (via Grahme and Comstock) scored his second of the contest 1:34 into the third. The Windigo outshot New Jersey 31 to 27, on the way to their first win of the young season.
Friday, September 15: Windigo 2, Lonestar Brahmas 1: Windigo rookie goaltender Logan Rose registered his first start in the NAHL, and he made the most of it. Rose made 46 saves to lead his team to a 2-1 victory. Rose’s bid for a shutout was denied with just 8 seconds left in the game, as Lonestar scored on a scramble in front of the net. After a scoreless 1st period, the Windigo jumped ahead on a power play goal by Drew Fisher – set up by Zach Cline’s nifty pass from behind the goal line. Luke Baker (unassisted) put the Windigo up 2-0 later in the second period. From there on, it was the Logan Rose show for the Windigo. Rose made several spectacular saves to keep the Brahmas off the scoreboard. Lonestar outshot the Windigo 47 to 36 in the contest.
Saturday, September 16: Windigo 2, Minot Minotauros 1: The Windigo won their third straight game at the Showcase and in the process handed Minot their first loss in a 2-1 win. Minot opened the scoring 8 minutes into the game. Erick Comstock scored his second of the Showcase to even the score 4 minutes later, assisted by Grahme and Cline. Max Martin put the Windigo up for good early in the second period. The defensive pair of Sam Groebner and Trent LeDrew assisted on Martin’s goal. Minot was determined to tie the game, outshooting the Windigo 11 to 1 in the third period. Windigo netminder, Linards Lipskis, was up to the task and earned his second victory of the season in net for the Windigo. Minot outshot the Windigo 37 to 24 in the contest.
Coaches Comments: Windigo head coach Blake Hietala had the following thoughts on his team’s efforts at the showcase. “I’m pleased to come out of here with 3 wins in 4 games. We had one of the tougher schedules in the showcase. This event is a grind on everyone involved. As it turns out, our only loss was to the only team in the Showcase to win all 4 or their games. I felt we could have won that first game, too. We came out strong with our team speed and forecheck showing what we are capable of. Our wins were the result of total team effort and strong goaltending. We’ll work to continue that trend as we look forward to our six-game homestand starting this weekend.”
Up Next: The Windigo commence a six-game homestand with Fairbanks visiting the Dome in Eagle River on September 22 and 23. Kenai River plays next on September 29 and 30. The Janesville Jets close out the homestand on October 6 and 7. Puck drop is at 7pm for all six 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.