Shocking Setback

Nov 25, 2011

MINOT, ND – The Bismarck Bobcats saw their six-game win streak go by the boards Saturday as they fell for the first time ever to their intrastate rivals, the Minot Minotauros, by a final of 2-1 at Maysa Arena.

Minot’s win also ended their 10-game losing that dated back to October 27.

Nick Turbitt got the Bobcats going early, slamming home a centering feed from Adam Knochenmus 2:38 into the game for a fast 1-0 lead.

The Tauros answered late in the first when assistant captain Buster Hebda redirected a point shot from Ben Hughes over the glove of Bobcat goalie Tommy Burke, tying the game 1-1 with 8:42 to go in the first.

When the game turned rough in the second period, Minot found themselves 5-on-5 despite multiple penalties after the whistle and used the even strength scenario to push ahead when leading scorer Jadin Martin struck on a goal that appeared to be kicked in with 5:02 left in the middle frame.

The Bobcats attempted to battle back, but were frustrated by Minot’s shot-blocking and hampered by upper-body injuries suffered by Dan Zawacki and Rory Vesel on high hits in the second period that went un-called by the referees.

Minot’s defense held the Cats to just seven shots officially in the third period and Tauros goalie Tim Shaughnessy did the rest, shutting down multiple late chances as the Bobcats bid for the equalizer.

When the clock read 0:00, it marked the first time all season that the Bobcats had held a lead at any point in regulation and failed to win (18-0-0 previously).

Tommy Burke took the loss in net for the Bobcats on 25 saves but had insult added to injury when the referees—despite not witnessing the event—tagged him with a game misconduct for throwing his stick in frustration after leaving the ice following just his fourth defeat of 2011-12.

Shaughnessy wrapped up his Saturday with 26 saves and his second win of the year.

The Bobcats return to Maysa Arena with revenge on their minds Friday when they open a two-game weekend set against the Minotauros with a 7:35 PM start.

Friday’s grudge match will be broadcast locally on the radio home of Bobcat Hockey, Super Talk 1270, KLXX-AM, and worldwide on the official internet television partner of the NAHL, FASTHockey, at http://nahl.fasthockey.com. Pregame coverage gets under way at 7:05. Fans can watch the game—and all away contests—live at Reza’s Pitch at Third and Front in Bismarck, the official away game home of Bobcat Hockey.

Season tickets are now on sale for the 2011-12 season—and going fast! Call the Bobcat Hockey office at (701) 222-3300 or email gobobcathockey@aol.com for more information on reserving a pro-rated package for this season!

TEST