Feature Story
Blizzard storms into playoffs
In what’s turned out to be quite a
reversal of fortunes, the once-hard-luck Alexandria Blizzard secured its spot
in the Robertson Cup Playoffs last weekend in convincing fashion, rattling off
three victories by a combined score of 19-4.
“Those were big wins coming down the
stretch,” said Blizzard coach-GM Brad Willner, whose
team improved to 27-25-3 on the season. “To secure a playoff spot by winning
three straight games definitely gives us momentum heading into the final
weekend (of the regular season).”
The Blizzard got its wheels rolling on
Friday with a 5-1 victory over the Bismarck Bobcats. Luke Nesper
(game-winner), Mikael Lickteig
and Joe Hartman each rang up a goal and an assist, while goaltender Ryan Leets steered aside 25 shots.
Leets made all 18 saves the next night as the Blizzard blanked the
Bobcats, 8-0. Brandon Larson notched two goals, including the game-winner, and
added two assists, while Larry Kinkaid and Brandon Bahnemann also tallied two goals apiece.
“We played hard, but more importantly, we
played smart,” said Willner. “That and we’re starting
to capitalize on our opportunities. We’ve spoken about that as a team and know
when you get this far into the season, great
opportunities are few and far between. Everyone plays great defense down the
stretch and into playoffs.”
What a turnaround it’s been for the
Blizzard. After starting the season at
“The guys are very excited about earning
a playoff spot, especially after the start we had,” said Willner,
whose team is
One player who has emerged as one of the
league’s top offensive threats is Nesper. Doing his
damage on a line with Jerry Freismuth and Lickteig, the 20-year-old from
“Luke has been playing very well at both
ends of the ice,” said Willner. “His good defensive
play and physical game has added to his offense. He protects the puck well and
has limited his turnovers by playing smart. His line has been very productive.”
Kincaid, whom the Blizzard picked up
after being released by
Leets, who has wins in his last six starts, has also played a
pivotal role in the Blizzard’s resurgence.
“Ryan and I spoke about needing to step
up down the stretch,” said Willner of the
18-year-old. “He knows he can’t let up with the success he’s had. He’s very
mature and is working hard at improving his game every day. He’ll be a key to
our playoff run.”
The Blizzard’s postseason fortunes could
also dictate much of its success on the college front. With two commitments to
date - Bryce Ravndalen (
“They’re both getting attention from many
D-I schools,” said Willner. “Both are working hard on
helping the team succeed and know that if that happens
more schools will jump into the mix.”
Currently in fourth place in the Central,
the Blizzard has accomplished one of its goals by securing a seat to the
postseason table. It would like nothing more, however, than to continue its run
into the postseason with the division’s No. 3 seed.
With two games against the Central
Division champion North Iowa Outlaws and one against Fargo-Moorhead to conclude
the regular season,
“We need to play great this final
weekend,” said Willner. “Our guys are only focused on
what they can control, though, and that’s Friday night against
“We want to stay sharp,” said Boitz. “Every team we play in the final weeks we could see
in the playoffs, so want to play hard and win those games so we have
confidence.”
“Coming off of this sweep of
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