Tauros break in new Pepsi Rink
New Maysa ‘Huge deal’ for Minotauros players
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Minot Minotauros players didn't need any pre-game pep talk to get excited about Thursday's game.
The Tauros were hosting rival Bismarck in the inaugural game of the new Pepsi Rink at Maysa Arena, a figurative palace compared to the Eck Rink that had been the home of Minot hockey for years.
"I think this new rink is a huge deal," said Minotauros captain and defenseman Jake Dittel. "Looking at it for the future, this is a great rink. Kids in the town and from all over are going to want to come here to play in this, which is huge for all of the organizations that play here. It's going to be a fun journey every single year from now on."
Several minutes before the puck dropped Thursday, various Minot hockey boosters and community members were part of a ribbon cutting ceremony on display at center ice. Their commitment and dedication to providing the community a rink that cost $10.9 million to build isn't lost on the players.
"The town is expecting a lot more from us after this brand new rink," Minot forward Alex Adams said. "They put in a lot of money, a lot of time and a lot of effort into this, so it's fair to expect a lot of us. When we can get that first win in here, it's going to feel pretty good."
Forward Jack Murphy echoed his teammates' sentiments.
"It's unbelievable," Murphy said. "It's really quite the atmosphere. I think we're just blessed to have the community that we do, especially since they put this on for us."
It wasn't a perfect ending to the stadium's opening night for the Tauros. Bismarck scored three goals in the first period and spoiled the opener of the new stadium by winning 5-4. Despite the setback in the Minotauros' new home, Adams said it will take a few games to feel completely comfortable to the bigger venue.
"The size is quite a bit of difference," he said. "There's a lot more fans, a lot more space, a higher ceiling and the bars are a little different. It definitely will be a little different when we play on it for the first time and it will take a little bit to get used to."
The Tauros are back in action at 7:35 p.m. tonight against the Minnesota Wilderness in the second game of the Pepsi Rink.
Garrick Hodge covers Minot State athletics, the Minot Minotauros and high school sports. Follow him on Twitter @Garrick_Hodge.