BLAINE, MN-The Minnesota Wilderness scored 13 seconds into the game and never trailed in a 4-1 win over the Fairbanks Ice Dogs on day two of the NAHL Showcase tournament. Fairbanks (0-3-0-1) peppered Wilderness goalie Kaleb Johnson with 35 shots, but only one found the back of the net.
First year Ice Dog forward Nigel Nelson banged home the rebound of a Tanner Edwards shot 4 minutes and 46 seconds into the second period to even the game at one goal apiece. Edwards knifed through the Wilderness zone to put a shot on goal, and was credited with his second assist of the season on the play. Mattias Sholl got his first start in net for the Dogs, turning away 29 of the 32 shots he faced to take the loss.
With the score tied at one early in the third period, Ice Dog center Jack Johnston was called for slashing behind the Wilderness net. On the ensuing power play, Aaron Myers tucked a rebound passed a sprawling Sholl for the game winner at 4:33 of the third. Myers would add an empty net tally, while Dylan Johnson and Gino Lucia also scored for the Wilderness.
The Ice Dog power play continues to struggle, going 0/5 with the man advantage on Thursday.
They Dogs get a long rest before taking the ice at 7:30 p.m. Central Time on Friday against the Johnstown Tomahawks.
