WATERTOWN, S.D. — The Watertown Shamrocks rode a four-goal unanswered run in the third period Saturday to claim a 4-2 victory and earn a weekend split against the Minot Minotauros.
Minot opened the series Friday night with a commanding performance, keeping Watertown off the scoreboard until the final minute of play. Goals from Alex Schwarz, Thomas Laitinen, Brady Zugec, and Philip Wiklund pushed the Minotauros out to a 4-0 lead.
Maksims Pumpins broke the shutout for Watertown with 42 seconds remaining in the game, bringing the final score to 4-1.
Both teams recorded 40 shots on goal in Friday’s contest. Minotauros goaltending held firm, while Shamrock netminder Mason Gudridge stopped 36 of 40 shots. Jordan Brothers led Watertown’s offensive attack with six shots on goal, followed by Pumpkins with five. Minot led the physical battle, drawing 10 penalty minutes to Watertown’s four.
Saturday’s matchup saw the Shamrocks turn the tables despite being outshot 38-29.
Shawn Swavely put Minot on the board early with a goal at 5:06 in the first period, and Ivan Sidorov extended the Minotauros’ lead to 2-0 late in the second period at 19:05.
Watertown responded in the third frame. Kirill Borodulin got the Shamrocks started at 3:23, and Jordan Brothers tied the game at 5:39. Pumpins put Watertown ahead 3-2 at 17:49, before Justin Obrochta sealed the 4-2 comeback win with an goal at 14:59.
Gudridge turned aside 36 of 38 shots to earn the victory in net for Watertown. Pumpkins again led the Shamrocks in opportunities with four shots on goal. Minot spent significant time in the box Saturday, accumulating 16 penalty minutes compared to six for Watertown.
With the split, Watertown (6-6-2-0) turns its focus to a home-and-away series against the St. Cloud Norsemen upcoming this weekend.
