On Friday evening, the Otter girls hosted a quick-shooting Alexandria Cardinals squad. The previous matchup between the two teams had gone the way of the Cards, but this time the Otters were primed for a comeback. Alex hit the scoreboard first with a first-period goal from Clare Buttweiler. In the second period, Shay Katzenmeyer set up Maddison ‘Mad Dog’ Brimhall for the tie. Then, to open the third period, Averie Tonneson put the Otters in front with an unassisted goal. In a nail-biter finish, some great defense protected the lead, even when the Cardinals pulled their goalie. In the 2-1 victory, Olivia Jurgens earned NHL-caliber numbers with 33 saves on 34 shots.

After a home game on Friday, the girls took to the road Saturday for a double-header. First up for the Otters was a competitive Moorhead squad. The previous game played between these two teams ended with a 1-0 tilt for Moorhead. In the first period, early signs pointed to a chance at an Otter victory, with an early score from Brook Zierden. Brimhall earned the assist. But, in the second & third periods, the Spuds’ sticks caught fire with 7 total goals scored. Jurgens again played a great game in net with 30 saves.

The third and final game of the weekend was a rubber match between the Otters and the West Fargo Stampede. Both teams earned a win in two previous meetings, with both ending in a 1-goal differential. The home team pulled out to an early lead in the first period, but the Otters ruled the second. Scoring first for the Maroon & Gold was Aubree Nelson. Then, on a Power Play opportunity, Maggie Greenagelfound the back of the net. Tonneson assisted on both goals. Finally, Lydia Johnsonprovided the setup for Katzenmeyer for the Otters’ insurance goal. With a scoreless third period, the girls earned a 3-1 win and the lead in the season series. Jurgens earned 17 saves in game two of the day, for a weekend save rate of nearly 90%.

Next up for the 10U A’s is a double-header against Bemidji, for another rematch opportunity; then, on home ice, a first-time matchup with the Fargo Freeze on Sunday.