CLOQUET, Minn. — Windigo, Wisconsin fought hard but couldn’t come away with a win in a weekend series against the NAHL Midwest Division-leading Minnesota Wilderness. The Wilderness won Friday’s opener 4-1, but needed a shootout to win 2-1 Saturday.
Heading into the weekend, Windigo coach Blake Hietala liked how his team was preparing for Wilderness.
“I like where we are as a team heading into this series.” He said. “I knew the wilderness would be a good test.”
Entering the weekend, Windigo (11-8-3-1 overall) was getting tremendous offensive power from forwards Max Martin, Tyler Gramme and Will Schumacher. Everett Pietila also quietly got off to a strong start, scoring 21 points through 23 games.
However, none of these four players found the scoresheet against the Wilderness.
“They were able to shut down our leading scorer.” Hietara said. “Our efforts paid off both nights.”
On Friday night, both teams were stalemate 0-0 going into midfield. The game stayed that way until Wilderness (10-6-2 overall) broke through at 10:48. They added two more points to take a 3-0 lead just 6:33 into the third.
Windigo needed some inspiration and they got it in the form of Elliott Gulley. He scored his first career goal just 50 seconds after Wilderness’ third goal. Gulley was below the goal line, but he banked the puck off Minnesota goaltender Adam Prokop and pushed it into the goal.
Hietala pulled goaltender Max Beckford late in the game, but Wilderness controlled the puck and potted an empty netter to close out the scoring at 18:27.
On Saturday night, Windigo had a driving play on Wilderness throughout much of the first half of the game, which ultimately led to a goal by forward Braydon Beam at 16:08 of the center frame. Boehm jockeyed for position in front of Prokop, received a pass from forward Jacob Jastrzebski, turned and fired a quick shot from the top of the crease into the goal.
An ill-timed penalty in the offensive zone gave the Wilderness a man advantage late in the middle, allowing them to tie the game with eight seconds left.
Windigo had 20 shots on Prokop in the third period, but again could not solve him.
After a scoreless overtime game, both teams went to a penalty shootout. Defenseman Daniil Drzhenko became the only Windigo skater to score in the sixth round. For the Wilderness, Peteris Plumaris scored a goal to answer Drzhenko’s goal, and Daniil Astopovic won the game.
“We certainly played well enough to win on Saturday.” Hietara said. “Holding a team like Wilderness to just 18 shots on net is a testament to how good of a team we are defensively.
“I have to give credit to the goalie for giving us a chance to get into the shootout.”
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Windigo continues on the road this weekend, playing against Chippewa Steel on Friday and Saturday nights. The Steele enter the weekend as the fifth-place team in the Midwest Region, three points behind Windigo, who remain in second place with 26 points.
Wisconsin also has a rematch series against Wilderness scheduled for December’s opening weekend at Eagle River Sports Arena.
“The Wilderness will be a tough competition all season long, and we look forward to seeing them at the Dome in a few weeks.” Hietara said. “I’m sure those games will be exciting and fun to watch. We’re looking forward to the rematch and the opportunity to pick up a point at home.”