The North Iowa Bulls traveled north to take on the Minnesota Flying Aces Thursday, November 3. With each team aiming to bring their record to .500 on the season the Bulls looked to do it against the Aces.
Bulls forward Jared Ramstead capitalized in the first period on a goal giving the Bulls a 1-0 lead. Minutes later Flying Aces forward, Tyler Pionk, would tie up the score 1-1. The second period saw similar action from both teams as Flying Aces forward Liam Johnston scored putting Minnesota up 2-1. The Bulls would not be denied as a goal from Ryan McAloon once again tied the score at the end of the second period 2-2.
With one period of hockey left in regulation neither team showed a sign of weakness. The Flying Aces jumped out to a 4-2 lead in the third. North Iowa would strike back quickly off a goal from Justin Gregory making the score 4-3 in favor of the Flying Aces. Bulls forward Nick Marsh battled to score and tie up the game 4-4 which would remain the score at the end of the third period. Overtime saw both North Iowa and Minnesota’s defensive step allowing no decision. North Iowa was able to jump out with a 2-1 lead in a shootout, but three straight goals by Minnesota would be the deciding factor with Minnesota winning the shootout 3-2.
North Iowa was able to come home to a packed house in Mason City for a rematch against the Flying Aces Friday, November 04.
Jared Ramstead once again spent no time getting to work as he scored in the first period giving the Bulls a 1-0 lead. With a solid defensive showing in the first period North Iowa held a 1-0 lead at the end of one. The Bulls were on the charge again quickly in the second period with a score by Bobby Chapman giving the Bulls a 2-0 lead. Minnesota answered back with a goal of their own, but Noah Anderson answered right back for the Bulls. At the end of two North Iowa left the ice with a 2-1 lead.
The Bulls showcased their quick scoring capabilities all night with a quick goal in the third by Patrick Sivets. The Minnesota Flying Aces looked for answers against a determined North Iowa Bulls squad and they found their answers on three straight goals to tie up the game 4-4 at the end of three.
As the North Iowa Bulls headed into overtime for a second straight night they looked to bounce back off a late game loss the night before. Jared Ramstead put an end to the Flying Aces hopes of a back to back win against the Bulls with a game winning goal and a final score of 5-4 in favor of the Bulls.
Your North Iowa Bulls travel south to battle the St. Louis Jr. Blues this next weekend. St. Louis is leading their division by 1 point. Catch the game on fasthockey.com or NorthIowaBulls.com.