Just a game after allowing a season-high seven goals, the Minot Minotauros one-upped themselves on Wednesday, Nov. 26, in their first showdown with their in-state rival and defending national champion Bismarck Bobcats.

The Bobcats lit up the Tauros for nine goals in a 9-4 rout at the VFW Sports Center. The Bobcats scored four goals on just five shots in the third period and found the back of the net on 38 percent of their shots.

The nine goals surrendered were the most from the Tauros since Jan. 5, 2023, against St. Cloud. Minot has been on the opposite end as well, hitting nine goals twice during the 2023-24 season.

The Bobcats (15-6-1) received goal contributions from nine different skaters and 14 players registered at least a point. Georgie Poirier had a game-high four points on a goal and three assists.

It didn’t end well for the Tauros (7-10-3), but they did get off to a fast start. Minot jumped out early on a power-play goal by Ty James 4:15 into the contest and Mackley Morelli gave the Tauros a 2-1 advantage midway through the first period.

The Bobcats scored the next three before the Tauros countered with a pair of goals from Ivan Sidorov and Dane Ramirez to tie the game 4-4. Jimmy Dodig put the Bobcats in front for good with 43 seconds remaining in the second period and it was all Bismarck in the third despite only registering five shots. Camden Alemond, Poirier, Cooper Williams and Szilveszter Lippai all scored for Bismarck in the third, chasing Minot starting goaltender Brian Cooke in the process.

Devin Rustlie wasn’t able to stop the bleeding in Cooke’s absence, allowing three goals on five shots.

The Tauros special teams were busy, allowing 10 power-play opportunities to the Bobcats. Bismarck took advantage, scoring on three of its chances. Minot went 1-for-6 with the extra skater.

Dane Callaway earned the win in net for the Bobcats, who moved to the top of the NAHL Central Division standings with the win coupled with a loss by Aberdeen to Watertown.