RICHFIELD, MN: The Fairbanks Ice Dogs are off and running in the 2021-22 regular season following a split with the Minnesota Magicians over the weekend. The Dogs fell 4-3 in a shootout on Friday, before blasting the Magicians 8-3 on Saturday. With the game tied 2-2 early in the second period, the Ice Dogs went on a tear, scoring six unanswered goals. Fairbanks product Billy Refrew capped the onslaught with his second tally of the game, a power play marker to put the dogs up 8-2 at 11:49 of the third period.
Alexander Malinowski added a goal and 2 assists on Saturday, the Swede leads the Dogs with 4 points on the season. Zachary Murray enjoyed a 3-point weekend, while Kayden Hargraves stopped 53 shots in the two games. With three points on the season, Fairbanks sitS behind Springfield and Chippewa in the Midwest Division, both of whom earned four point sweeps over the weekend.
It’s a short week of rest for the dogs, who like the rest of the North American Hockey League teams, play in the annual showcase tournament on Wednesday. The Dogs open against Maine, with a tilt against Austin on Thursday. Friday sees the Dogs face Danbury, while finishing off against Minot on Saturday. The 4-day tournament brings the entire league together in Blaine, MN, and is heavily scouted by college and professional staffs. SHOWCASE TICKETING AND HOTEL INFORMATION HERE.
The Dogs remain in the Lower 48 until Sept. 25 when they wrap up a 2-game series against the Janesville Jets. The 2021-22 home opener comes Oct. 1 at the Big Dipper Ice Arena. Season tickets remain on sale, and single game tickets are now available online.
