​​Windigo return to ‘Dome Sweet Home’ to sweep the Jets; stay in first place

The Midwest Division-leading Wisconsin Windigo swept the Janesville Jets in a two-game home stand at the Dome in Eagle River last weekend, maintaining their points lead over Anchorage in the North American Hockey League (NAHL).

Windigo rebounded from an early 2-0 deficit last Friday night to win 7-4, and they did the same thing Saturday after the Jets scored first on a 2-on-1 rush, coming back to win 4-1.

In Friday’s game, Janesville scored twice in the first 15 minutes of play. But Michael Ryan’s on-timer power play goal 17:28 into the opening frame cut the Windigo deficit in half. Ryan’s goal was set up by Braydon Beahm and Elliot Gulley cycling the puck high in the offensive zone. 

Beahm scored a goal of his own after a shot from the high slot by Gulley resulted in a goalmouth scramble. Beahm jammed the puck into the net at 12:51 of the second period to tie the game. Janesville scored a few minutes later to take a 3-2 lead into the second intermission.

The Windigo caught fire in the third, scoring four consecutive goals. Logan Nickolaus scored his fifth of the season, tipping in a pass from Lucas Busch. Midway through the final frame, Beahm scored his second of the game to put the Windigo in the lead for good.

Mario DiMaggio found Beahm on the goal line and Beahm went forehand to backhand as he skated across the crease to score his team leading tenth goal of the year. Ronnie Hill’s second goal of the season (from Ryan and Gulley) put the Windigo up 5-2. The onslaught continued as Nickolaus found Busch all alone in the low slot and Busch unleashed a wrist shot that found the far side of the net. 

Janesville scored a power play goal with just over a minute remaining to close the gap to 6-4. Jackson Ernst closed out the scoring with an empty netter with 18 seconds remaining. Lucas Szyszka registered 19 saves for his league-leading tenth win of the season. The Windigo outshot Janesville 33 to 23 in the contest.   

Saturday’s rematch found Janesville once again jumping out to a first period lead, after the Windigo lost a puck battle in the neutral zone. 

A Windigo power play goal tied the game 5:25 into the second period. Elliot Gulley carried the puck into the offensive zone and attempted a pass to Zach Cline, who was bearing down on the net. A Janesville defender deflected the puck past his own goalie. 

Janesville applied significant pressure throughout the third period, outshooting the Windigo 11-7. However, the Windigo made their shots count, scoring three goals in the final frame. 

Beahm put the Windigo in the lead with 7:05 remaining. Elliot Gulley picked up a loose puck in the faceoff circle and slid the puck over to Beahm, who was wide open at the far side of the net. The Windigo added two empty-net goals late in the game.

Altman earned the win in net for the Windigo with 24 saves and one assist.

Windigo head coach John Mitchell was sidelined with an illness Friday night, so assistant coach Bryce Reddick took over as bench boss.

“After playing the last 4 games on Olympic sized ice, it took us a little bit of time to get used to playing on a smaller sheet again. Lucas Szyszka made some key saves to keep us within striking distance,” said Reddick. “Over the last few weeks we have had really strong third periods, credit to the guys for realizing how important it is to have strong finishes. Our powerplay has been a great asset for us this season.”

Head coach John Mitchell returned to the bench on Saturday and offered the following after the game: “It was great to earn the sweep this weekend. I like our guys’ resilience and drive to come back. Our veterans are leading the way, as we expect them to. Overall, I like the team unity and culture we are developing. It’s a long season and we are focusing on building a solid foundation of accountability and team effort.”   

 Up next, the Windigo hit the road to take on the Janesville Jets on November 8-9. The Windigo return home to host Military Appreciation Weekend on November 15-16. Active duty and military veterans will be admitted free.

Military themed jerseys will be sold to benefit local veterans. Opening faceoff is 7 p.m. both nights.