RICHFIELD, Minn- There is light at the end of the road trip tunnel for the Fairbanks Ice Dogs. The team has been in the Lower 48 since early September, where they are 3-3-0-0 six games into the 2019-2020 North American Hockey League season. The trip wraps up this weekend with a 2-game series against the Minnesota Magicians.
The Dogs exploded for 11 goals in a 2-game sweep of the Janesville Jets, winning 5-3 on Friday and 6-0 on Saturday. Fairbanks native Austin Ryman remains perfect on the season after notching 19 saves in Saturday’s shutout. The rookie also shutout Maryland at the Showcase, and is the only 2-0 goalie in the league (two other net minders are yet to allow a goal).
Jack Johnston had an outstanding weekend offensively and was named the Bauer Midwest Division Top Star of the Week on Monday. The third year Ice Dog tallied six points (2 goals, 4 assists) and was a +5 in the two wins. Johnston had two assists on Friday, and he notched two goals two assists on Saturday. Johnston leads the Ice Dogs in scoring with six points through six games this season.
“Jack plays with constant energy and he keeps a lot of plays alive for his team,” said Ice Dogs head coach Trevor Stewart. “He is a leader and we look forward to his continued growth as he prepares for NCAA hockey.”
Oliver Kjaer leads the team with three goals, while Dylan Abbott and Adam Eisele are tied with Johnston with four assists to lead the Ice Dogs.
The Ice Dogs climbed to a 3-way tie with Springfield and Janesville for third place following last weekend’s games. Each team has earned six points this season. The Kenai River Brown Bears lead the NA Midwest Division with 10 points, while Chippewa Falls sits second with eight points.
The Dogs return home following this weekend’s games in Richfield. Home opening weekend is slated for Oct. 11-12 at the Dip, when the Dogs host the Jets Friday and Saturday. Ticket information is below, and we hope to see that barn packed again this season.
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