ALEXANDRIA, Minn.—The Alexandria Blizzard split the weekend series match-up with a win over the Minot Minotauros and a loss to the Bismarck Bobcats.
On Friday, the Blizzard traveled to the Maysa Arena in Minot, ND to challenge the Minotauros for the third time in four outings. The Minotauros threatened the Blizzard early when Jadin Martin scored the sole goal in the first period.
The Blizzard, who came out shy in the first, lit up the second period, scoring seven times in a 16-minute stretch. The Blizzard would go on to defeat the Minotauros 8-2.The eight goals scored by the Blizzard showcased the depth of the men in the Navy Blue jerseys. Each goal was scored by a different man on the team; Thomas Williams, Justin Moody, Gage Torrel, Tucker Coborn, Reid Sturos, Aidan Cavallini, Nick DeCenzo and Vadim Gyesbreghs. The victory extended the Blizzard’s winning streak to 11 games, a league best.
On Sunday, the Blizzard hosted the Central Division leading Bismarck Bobcats in a packed Runestone Community Center.
The Bobcats, who were coming off a 4 to 6 defeat the last time they traveled to Alexandria, struck first with a goal from forward Daniel Zawacki in the first period. Moments later, in the fashion of the Bismarck/Alexandria rivalry, forward Reid Sturos knocked one in for the Blizzard to keep the game tied 1-1. Sturos has been red hot for the Blizzard of late, recording ten points in the last five games.
Late in the first, power-play opportunities presented themselves for both teams and each took advantage of the extra man. With a power-play goal from Bobcat Adam Knochenmus, and then one from Alexandria’s Nick D’Avolio, the score was tied after one period of play.
The back and forth style continued in the second when Donald Olivieri wangled a third Bobcat goal past Blizzard goaltender Jacob Meyers.
To the Blizzard rescue was defenseman Vadim Gyesbreghs, who scored at the 9:48 mark to once again tie up the game.
Olivieri and the Bobcats would end the Blizzard winning streak with the final goal of the night at the 11:23 mark in the second period.
The Blizzard will seek revenge on Wednesday when they travel to the VFW Sport Center in Bismarck to face the Bobcats; face-off is at 7:15 p.m.
On Friday, the Blizzard will host the Aberdeen Wings at the Runestone Community Center. The puck will drop at 7:30 p.m.The Blizzard will travel to the Riverside Arena in Austin for a Saturday night face-off at 7:05 p.m. against the Bruins.