BISMARCK, N.D. — Despite a goal in each period and four total on home ice, the Bobcats lost to Aberdeen 6-4 on Friday.
Bismarck (3-13-1) has scored the first goal in just five of its 17 total games. Only Kenai River has fewer opening scores. In both games at North Iowa last weekend, the Bulls jumped out to 2-0 first-period leads, sinking the Bobcats early. Tonight, Aberdeen (9-8) sprinted to a 3-0 advantage 10:27 in.
Eddie Shepler, Patrick Johnson, Quinn Rudrud, and Aiden VanRooyan scored goals in what proved to be a fierce comeback effort for the home team. VanRooyan’s redirection of a Jake McLean centering pass shaved the Aberdeen lead to 5-4 in the third period.
However, the Wings’ timely responses kept the Bobcats at arm’s length. Aberdeen called timeout immediately, and Hugo Allais scored 1:07 later.
Dominik Wasik’s 20 saves helped Aberdeen’s cause. The second-year goaltender is 5-2 on the season, and 2-0 against the Bobcats. Aksel Reid stopped 23 shots, and remains searching for his first career victory.
This game is the first of a four-game series between Bismarck and Aberdeen, played as a pair of home-and-home weekends. The Bobcats travel to the Odde Ice Center for a 7:15 puck drop tomorrow.
NOTES
Shepler’s first-period laser is his first goal since October 2nd at Minot. He is tied with Adam Pietila and Quinn Rudrud for the team’s lead with five goals.
VanRooyan followed up his first career goal last Friday with a second tonight, both coming from just outside the crease.
McLean has five assists in his last three games, increasing his team-best total to 12.
GAME SUMMARY
Shots on goal: Aberdeen 29, Bismarck 24
Power play: Aberdeen 0/2, Bismarck 0/3
First period
Aberdeen goal: Ronan Walsh from Cade Neilson and Hugo Allais, 4:18
Aberdeen goal: Kyle Gaffney from Devon Carlstrom and Patrick O’Connell, 9:49
Aberdeen goal: Will Gilson, 10:37 (SH)
Bismarck goal: Eddie Shepler from Patrick Johnson and Jonathan Ziskie, 17:12
Second period
Aberdeen goal: Ronan Walsh from Landry Schmuck and Cade Neilson, 1:29
Bismarck goal: Patrick Johnson from Ben Troumbly and Owen Michaels, 16:02
Third period
Aberdeen goal: Anthony Galante from Parks Wallace and Cade Neilson, 7:10
Bismarck goal: Quinn Rudrud from Aiden VanRooyan and Jake McLean, 10:07
Bismarck goal: Aiden VanRooyan from Jake McLean, 12:34
Aberdeen goal: Hugo Allais from Seamus Campbell and Owen DuBois, 13:41
NEXT UP
Bismarck at Aberdeen, tomorrow @ Odde Ice Center, 7:15 PM