Nathan Beitler/MDN Minot United junior Dane Voeller (center) takes the puck down the ice in their home game against the Bottineau-Rugby Braves on Tuesday, Jan. 20.

The Minot United boys and girls hockey teams were at home on Tuesday night, Jan. 20, to host the Bottineau-Rugby Braves boys hockey team and the Williston Coyotes girls hockey team.

Minot United boys back to winning ways

The Minot United boys hockey team found redemption on Tuesday night when they took on the Bottineau-Rugby Braves, winning the bout 6-2 with five unanswered goals in the second and third periods.

Before Minot United’s home game against Bismarck Legacy last week on Thursday, Jan. 15, they were on a 13 game win streak. At the end of last Thursday’s game, Minot United broke that streak with a loss at 2-3. Heading into Tuesday’s game against the Braves, Minot United was looking to get back on track.

Just over five minutes into the first period, the Braves punched the first goal of the game onto the scoreboard, putting them in the lead and putting Minot United immediately on edge. It took just over 10 minutes of play time for Minot United to respond, but a goal by junior Nolan Knowles put them on even ground at 1-1 at the end of the first period. The Braves took the lead once again in the first two minutes of the second period. Minot United once again took more than 10 minutes to respond, evening the score 12 minutes 45 seconds into the second period. This time, before the second period ended, Minot United took their first lead of the game. Junior Kayden Danielson’s goal took Minot United to a 3-2 lead over the Braves before the second period came to an end. Minot United found their groove in the third period, scoring three unanswered goals, giving them their rendition with a win with a final score of 6-2.

Minot United’s victory improved their record to 14-3-0 on the season. They are scheduled to take on Dickinson High School on the road for the next game, making the trek for their bout on Friday, Jan. 23.

Minot United girls fall to the Coyotes 1-9

Minot United’s girls hockey team entered Tuesday night’s game with a 4-8-1 record. With several games throughout the season ending without Minot United scoring, their offense has struggled to find its footing. Their home game against the Williston Coyotes told the same story.

The game started with the Coyotes quickly scoring their first goal of the game. Williston freshman Makenna Lee scored just two minutes 40 seconds into the first period. Lee scored again towards the end of the first period, giving Williston a two-point lead over Minot United at 2-0 in the beginning of the second period.

Minot United struck back in the beginning of the second period when senior Brynn Hanson shot the puck into the back of the net to make the score 1-2. The Williston Coyotes quickly widened their lead through the rest of the second period. The Coyotes scored three additional goals before the period ended, giving them a lead of 5-1. The third period saw the Coyotes score four additional goals, putting them far over the top and winning them the game with a final score f 9-1.

The Minot United defense fought hard to even the match, but the Williston offense fought harder. The Coyotes ended the night at double the shots on goal as Minot United, totalling 44 as compared to Minot’s 22. Minot United sophomore Faith Seekings led the game in saves, saving 34 of the shots on goal out of the 41 from Williston she faced during her time in the net.

Minot United fell to a record of 4-9-1 on the season. The Minot United girls hockey team will remain at home for their next game as they take on Legacy-Bismarck High on Thursday, Jan. 22.