BROOKINGS – The Central Division-leading Minot Minotauros edged the Blizzard 3-2 to complete a weekend sweep during NAHL action Saturday night at Larson Ice Center.
The Minotauros struck first with Luke Davison scoring off assists from Tyler Jeanson and Nate Pionk 98 seconds into the game.
Paul Cotter answered for the Blizzard with 4:19 to go in the period as Paul Cotter netted his 18th goal of the year. Connor Koviak and Zach Mitchell assisted.
Jack Murphy’s goal, which was set up by Jake Dittel, put Minot up 2-1 late in the first.
The Minotauros pushed the margin to 3-1 at the 14:09 mark of the second after Michael Talbot lit the lamp. Spencer Zwiener and Dittel were credited with assists.
Brookings pulled within 3-2 when Brandon Kruse found the back of the net on assists from Taylor Schneider and Nicholas Cardelli late in the second; however, that’s where the scoring ended.
Brookings outshot Minot 43-23, as the Minotauros’ Lucas Murray made 41 saves. Josh Boyko stopped 20 shots in the loss.
The Minotauros improved to 26-11-4 (56 points).
Brookings (38-18-3-1), which is tied for third with the Austin Bruins, wraps up its homestand taking on the Bismarck Bobcats on Friday and Saturday at 7:05 p.m.
