ABERDEEN, SD (AberdeenWings.com) – The Aberdeen Wings took on the Bismarck Bobcats for the first time since October, and with Bismarck coming off a weekend split VS Minot.

It wouldn’t be until half way through the first period Friday night that either team would get on the board. Jibber Kuhl for the Wings would find the back of the net, crediting assists to Matthew Wisener and Jackson Anderson. Bismarck would respond with three goals scored by Chase Beacom, Evan Hunter, and Kade Kohanski. The score would be 3-1 (Bismarck) heading into the second period.

In the second period, it seemed as though the Wings had more control of their defense as they would ensure the Bobcats would not add to their lead in the second period. At the 6:52 mark, Logan Gravink would tighten the gap, with the assist going to Zachary Reim. Leonid Bulgakov would add one late in the third, with assists going to Jackson Anderson and Drew Mackie. The Wings would tie the game going into the third and final period of Friday night.

Just one minute into the third period, Bismarck would reclaim the lead when Landon Fandel scored. Later, Matthew Rafalski and Keanu Krenn would again add for the Bobcats, now making the score 6-3. In response, Leonid Bulgakov would score for the Wings, with assistance from Matthew Wisener and Drew Mackie. To end the game, Bismarck’s Evan Hunter would fire for the empty net, and the score would end up being 7-4 in favor of the Bobcats.

Adam Dybal was in net for the Wings stopping 22 of 28.

Three Stars were Jibber Kuhl (1 goal), Jackson Anderson (2 assists), and Leonid Bulgakov (2 goals).

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Saturday’s matchup would have less offensive chances for both teams however.

Saturday was Teddy Bear Toss Night at the Odde, a tradition for the organization.

After neither team scored in the first period, it would be Bismarck’s Kade Kohanski that would be the first to find the back of the net. The score would remain 0-1 in favor of Bismarck heading into the third and final period.

At the 8:46 mark of the third period, it would be Aberdeen’s Zachary Reim who would make the Teddy Bears fly, with the assist going to Matthew Wisener. This would tie the game, and force the game to go into overtime.

After a scoreless 5 minutes of 3 on 3, they would then go into a shootout.

Bismarck’s Evan Hunter would go first, scoring the first goal of the shootout, however Aberdeen’s Matthew Wisener would also score.

Then, Bismarck would send out Tamas Toth, who scored. In response, Aberdeen’s Leonid Bulgakov would score again.

Bismarck sent out Tommy Cronin who would not score, and Aberdeen’s Nikolai Tishkevich also did not score.

Finally, Patrick Johnson for Bismarck would score, and Aberdeen’s Grant Winkler would not have a response.

Croix Kochendorfer was in net for the Wings stopping 28 of 29.

Three Stars were Croix Kochendorfer, Matthew Wisener (1 assist), and Zachary Reim (1 goal).

The Wings will be on the road for the next few weeks, until March 8th and 9th when they will be back in the Odde to rematch against the Bobcats.

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