The Wild had a strong showing this past weekend, defeating the Bozeman Ice Dogs on Friday night and the Great Falls Americans on Saturday. The team set the tone early in both games, scoring first and never trailing. After a successful weekend, the Wild now sit sixth in the Frontier Division with a 5-4-1-0 record.
Friday Night: Arlt’s Hat Trick Lifts Wild Over Bozeman
The Wild came out with energy and intensity, battling the Ice Dogs through a scoreless first period until Beau Delich found the back of the net with just 19 seconds remaining. Arndt and Peterson collected assists on the play, giving the Wild a 1-0 lead after one.
Bozeman tied it up midway through the second period at 10:44, but the Wild quickly answered as Max Arlt scored with assists from Riley Schmidt and Caleb Johannes to regain the lead. Late in the second, Svangstu recieved a five-minute major and game misconduct, putting the Wild on an extended penalty kill to open the third. The PK unit stood tall, keeping the Ice Dogs off the board.
Bozeman tied the game once again midway through the third, but Arlt continued his big night, scoring his second goal to make it 3-2. The Ice Dogs pulled their goalie with 2 minutes to go, and Arlt sealed the win — and completed his hat trick — with an empty-net goal.
Final Score: Wild 4, Ice Dogs 2
Friday Night Stars:
⭐ 1st Star: Max Arlt
⭐ 2nd Star: Austin Trieber
⭐ 3rd Star: Riley Schmidt
Saturday Night: Wild Win OT Thriller
It was a special evening at Spirit Hall as we honored Stacey Badour, who has been courageously fighting stage four metastatic breast cancer for over six years. The weekend was dedicated to all those who have battled or continue to battle cancer.
On the ice, the Wild and Great Falls Americans went back and forth in a tight matchup. Beau Delich opened the scoring for the second straight night, putting the Wild ahead 1-0 after the first. Despite taking four penalties to Great Falls’ one, the Wild kept the game close.
The Americans tied it early in the second, but Caleb Johannes restored the lead just 90 seconds later with assists from Arlt and Schmidt. Great Falls responded late in the period, sending the game into the third tied 2-2.
Early in the third, Arndt scored from Schmidt and Waters to make it 3-2, but Great Falls answered just over a minute later. Neither team could break the deadlock through the rest of regulation, sending the game to overtime.
In 3-on-3 OT, both teams had chances, but the Wild capitalized when Arlt and Schmidt broke out on a 2-on-1. Arlt fed Schmidt, who skated down the right side and buried the game-winner, securing a thrilling victory for the Wild.
Final Score: Wild 4, Americans 3 (OT)
Saturday Night Stars:
⭐ 1st Star: Riley Schmidt
⭐ 2nd Star: Matthew Bennet
⭐ 3rd Star: Max Arlt
After the win, fans joined the players on the ice for the special jersey weekend Skate With The Players event — a perfect ending to Paint The Rink Pink Weekend.
Looking Ahead
The Wild hit the road this weekend, facing the Helena Bighorns on Friday and the Bozeman Ice Dogs on Saturday. Don’t miss out on the action, catch the games live on NAHLTV!