Austin Bruins fall to Bismark Bobcats 2-1 Saturday evening

Coming off a 2-1 shootout loss to the Bismark Bobcats in Bismark Friday evening, the Austin Bruins were looking to snap a four-game losing streak against the Bobcats at the VFW Center Saturday evening, and in a game you heard on AM 1480 KAUS, two goals netted by the Bobcats in the second period proved to be just enough as they edged the Bruins 2-1.

Ocean Wallace gave Austin a 1-0 lead with only :08 seconds left in the first period, with assists to Alex Laurenza, his 21st, and also to Dylan Cook, his 22nd of the season, but the Bobcats countered with goals Kyle Doll and Patrick Johnson in the second period at 3:34 and 9:47, respectively to take a 2-1 lead.  Bismark netminder Stephen Peck did the rest as he turned away 10 shots in the second period and 13 more in the third period to help the Bobcats seal the win.

Peck, who will play for the University of Michigan next year kicked out 32 shots overall to earn the win between the pipes, while Austin goaltender Trent Wiemken turned aside 18 of the 20 shots he faced to take the loss.  The Bruins were whistled for five penalties for 10 minutes, while Bismark was called for five penalties for 18 minutes, and neither team tallied a power play goal in the contest.

With the loss, Austin is now 18-16-1-1-1 for 38 points and fifth place in the NAHL’s Central Division, four points behind fourth-place Aberdeen for the last playoff spot in the division.  The Bruins will stay in western North Dakota to take on the first-place Minot Minotauros this coming Friday and Saturday, with face-off from Pepsi Rink at Maysa Arena at 7:35 p.m. both evenings.