Mike Kraft/MDN In this file photo Minot Minotauros’ Philip Wiklund fights for the puck in their home game against the Austin Bruins on Saturday, Nov. 22 at Maysa Arena.

The Minot Minotauros were looking to spoil Bismarck’s New Year’s Eve festivities at the VFW Sports Center on Wednesday, Dec. 31, but the Bobcats had other ideas playing in front of a sold out crowd on the final day of 2025.

The Bobcats scored three goals in the opening period en route to a 6-3 victory over the Minotauros for their second victory in as many attempts against their rivals. The Bobcats put up a season-high nine goals against Minot in their first meeting of the season.

The two teams traded goals early in the first period, with Ben Rakowski putting Bismarck in front at 6:03. The Tauros (11-15-3) responded a little over a minute later when Dane Ramirez tallied his team-high ninth goal of the season to tie the game. Charlie Kresl and Frantisek Broz netted back-to-back goals before the end of the stanza. Kresl also had three assists to finish with a three-point night.

Arseni Vorobyov drew the Tauros to within a goal to open the second period, but the Bobcats (20-8-1) capitalized on a power-play opportunity midway through the frame to push the lead back to two. Szilveszter Lippai and Camden Alemond added goals in the third period for the Bobcats.

Devin Rustlie got the start for the Tauros, but was pulled in favor of Caden Meringa after 17:40. Rustlie allowed three goals on 13 shots faced. Meringa played the final 42:20, finishing with 23 saves on 26 shots faced.

Bismarck goaltender Marko Bilic made 30 saves to earn the victory.

The Tauros welcome the Bobcats to Maysa Arena for the first time this season for a weekend series beginning on Friday, Jan. 2, at 7:35 p.m.