Boys Hockey: Thompson nets 4 goals on Senior Night, Minot United routs Demons

Minot United’s Oliver Thompson had a Senior Night to remember.

The senior forward and team captain scored four goals and added two assists as Minot United put up their best offensive performance of the season in an 11-2 victory over Bismarck High on Thursday, Feb. 12, at Maysa Arena in the regular-season finale for both teams.

Minot United had already clinched the No. 1 seed for the West Region Tournament, but they still wanted to send their eight seniors out in style in their final home game of their careers. The senior class accounted for eight goals and 10 assists against the Demons.

Cole Richeson had a pair of goals and Tate Haugenoe and Quinn Killmer also tallied goals in their final home games. For Killmer, it was his second goal of the season, the first coming against Notre Dame Academy on Nov. 29. Nick Christoher, Jayce Lemon and Thompson all had multi-assist games, led by Christopher’s three. Jaxon Dahl had an assist to round out the senior scoring.

Despite scoring a season-high 11 goals, Minot United saw themselves down 2-0 just over 11 minutes into the game. Easton Richardson scored both for the Demons (6-11-2-2 overall, 5-9-2-2 WDA) and both came on the power play.

It was all Minot United from there. Thompson got Minot United on the board at 12:01 of the first period for the team’s lone goal in the frame. Thompson’s goal kickstarted an offensive burst. Minot United scored five goals in the first six minutes of the second period. Richeson scored the first and Oliver Thompson (twice), Easton Bradley and Brady Grosz followed. Richeson added his second six minutes later to cap off a six-goal second period. The last three goals came via the power play.

Nolan Knowles, Killmer, Haugenoe and Thompson added goals in the third period.

Minot United (18-4-0-0, 15-2-0-0) bested their previous season-high of nine goals, which also came against Bismarck High. Minot United has scored 19 goals in their last two games.

Minot United outshot the Demons 42-19 and held a 29-9 edge over the final two periods.

Luke Richeson played the first 41:03 for Minot United, stopping 15 of 17 shots. Maxim Hall finished the game, stopping both shots he faced.

The game featured 20 penalties and 48 penalty minutes. Minot United went 4-for-6 on the power play.

Minot United awaits its first-round opponent in the WDA Tournament at the VFW Sports Center in Bismarck. Minot United will play on Thursday, Feb. 19, at 11 a.m.

NORTHWOODS LEAGUE BASEBALL: Hot Tots to hosts two-game series in Watford City

For the past three seasons, the Minot Hot Tots have been providing the Magic City with memorable baseball experiences throughout the summer.

Now, the Minot Hot Tots are bringing the fun to Watford City for a pair of games in mid-July, announcing they will play a two-game series with the St. Cloud Rox on Friday, July 18, and Saturday, July 19, at American Legion Post 29 Glenn Wahus Memorial Field in Watford City. The weekend series is being dubbed the NWL Baseball Watford City Weekend.

We’re incredibly excited to welcome the Northwoods League and the Minot Hot Tots to Watford City this summer,” said Josh Nollmeyer, Assistant Director at the Rough Rider Center in a press release. “There’s nothing better than baseball, great people, and a fun game-day atmosphere, and this weekend is going to deliver all of that and more. Bringing this level of baseball and entertainment to our community is something we’re proud of, and we can’t wait to see families, fans, and visitors come together for a great time at the ballpark.”

Those in attendance can expect the traditional Hot Tots experience. Fans will be able to interact with team mascot Tate R. Tot. There will be on-field games and promotions in between innings and the entertainment crew will be on hand to entertain fans as the game is in progress. Food and drinks will be served and fans can buy team merchandise. Kids can enjoy inflatables and other fun activities.

Taking the Minot Hot Tots on the road to Watford City is about more than just two baseball games — it’s about bringing the Northwoods League experience to more North Dakotans,” said Monica Hocking, General Manager of the Minot Hot Tots in a press release. “Our fans in Minot know how special the energy, entertainment, and community feel of a Hot Tots game is, and we’re excited to share that same experience with families, businesses, and baseball fans in Watford City and across western North Dakota.”

Both games begin at 6:35 p.m.