RICHFIELD, MINN- The Fairbanks Ice Dogs are one win away from returning to the Robertson Cup Championship Tournament May 10-14 in Blaine, Minnesota. In their way, the Minnesota Magicians. Leading 2-0 in the best of five Midwest Division Finals, the Dogs face the Magicians in game three Friday night at 7:15 in the Richfield Ice Arena.
Should a fourth game be needed, the teams will square off at 7:05 p.m. on Saturday, and a fifth and deciding game five would be played at 6 p.m. on Sunday if needed. Both games would be played in Richfield.
The Dogs powered to wins of 5-1 and 6-2 in the first two games of the series. Matt Koethe and Jonny Sorenson had a combined six points in the two wins. Koethe, who leads the Dogs with seven post season points, tabbed a pair of goals and an assist over the weekend, while Sorenson potted three goals in the final two games of the season at the Dip.
Sorenson on Tuesday was named NAHL Rookie of the Year. The 6’1/175 lbs. native of St. Louis Park, Minnesota, led the Ice Dogs in scoring this season with 56 points (17 goals, 39 assists) in 60 games played. In late January, he committed to play NCAA Division I hockey for the University of Minnesota and in April he was recognized as one of nine players with NAHL ties on the NHL Central Scouting Final Rankings for the 2019 NHL Draft. He was also selected to the All-Midwest Division team and chosen as the Midwest Division Rookie of the Year.
Ice Dog blue liner John Stampohar joined Sorenson on the All-Midwest Division team, and was named the Midwest Division Defenseman of the Year. Ice Dogs bench boss Trevor Stewart was named Midwest Division Coach of the Year, while General Manager Rob Proffitt was tapped as Midwest Division GM of the Year.
Ice Dogs fans are looking to take over the Richfield Ice Arena Friday night. Fans are asked to wear Ice Dog Burgundy, and will be gathering to tailgate at 5 p.m. on Friday in the rink parking lot.
