ABERDEEN, SD (AberdeenWings.com) [FRI] – The Aberdeen Wings took on the Minnesota Mallards in the Odde Ice Center for their first game back from their Holiday break, and were able to come away with the first win of 2025!
Both teams had plenty of Power Play opportunities in the first period, but neither were able to capitalize on them, so the score would be 0-0 heading into the second.
The Wings would start the second period on the Power Play, and it would be Cade Moxham who would officially get the Wings on the board, scoring the first Wings goal of 2025. This goal would be assisted by Luke Backel and Nikolai Tishkevich. There would again be plenty of back and forth action, but it wouldn’t be until the 13:27 mark until another goal would be scored. This time it would be James Ghebbari for the Mallards evening the score. Shortly after, Leonid Bulgakov would find the back of the net getting assists from Sebastian Lillsund and Jibber Kuhl, reclaiming the Wings lead. This would mean the Wings would have a 2-1 lead heading into the third period.
The third period would be all Wings beings they would spend most of their time on the Power Play, and only allowing the Mallards to take 4 shots on goal the entire period. At the 2:23 mark, Luke Backel for the Wings would extend the Wings lead even further, getting help from Cade Moxham and Nick Comfort. As time was ticking down, the Mallards would pull their goalie leaving their net empty, but they would not be able to capitalize on their chance. Instead, Leonid Bulgakov would score on the empty net leaving the score 4-1 with the Wings win. This last goal was assisted by Jibber Kuhl and Sebastian Lillsund.
Damon Cunningham was in net for the Wings, stopping 26 of 27 shots sent his way.
Three stars for the night were Cade Moxham (1 goal, 1 assist), Luke Backel (1 goal, 1 assist), and Leonid Bulgakov (2 goals).
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The scoring would start off with Sebastian Lillsund for the Wings when he would find the back of the net at the 10:51 mark, notching his 7th goal of the season. This goal was assisted by Jibber Kuhl and Leonid Bulgakov. This would be the only goal of the period meaning the Wings would have a 1-0 lead heading into the second period.
Right at the 1:24 mark, the Wings would go on the Power Play, but would not be able to get a good scoring chance. Then, at the 4:06 mark, it would be Jace Fitzgerald for the Mallards who would tie the game at 1. After a few more times of going on the Power Play for the Wings, they would finally be able to capitalize when Luke Backel would score at the 9:58 mark getting assists from Nikolai Tishkevich and Cade Moxham. This would leave the score 2-1 in favor of the Wings heading into the final period of the night.
Although the Wings and the Mallards had even scoring chances throughout the third period, all of the scoring would belong to the Mallards. Scoring wouldn’t start until the 8:34 mark, this goal would belong to Dakotah Bailey. Shortly after, Hunter Hayes would find the back of the net, giving the Mallards their first lead of the game. As the clock was ticking down, the Wings would pull the goaltender in an attempt to tie the game, or to even get a couple back to win – but would be unsuccessful. Dakotah Bailey would find the empty net at the 19:09 mark securing the win for the Mallards.
The Aberdeen Wings are now 20-9-1-0 and sit 4th in the Central Division Standings.
Damon Cunningham was in net for the Wings, stopping 28 of 31 shots sent his way.
Three stars of the game for Saturday were Jibber Kuhl, Sebastian Lillsund (1 goal), and Luke Backel (1 goal).
The Wings will be on the road next weekend, January 10th and 11th to take on the Bismarck Bobcats. Then, they will be back in the Odde Ice Center January 17th and 18th to take on the Minot Minotauros. More information on those games to come.
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