The Minnesota Moose had the opportunity for six points this weekend with a three game weekend on tap, all at home. The Moose got their first look at the Ironwood Yoopers, who they welcomed in on Friday and Saturday, then a battle of top teams with the Minnesota Blue Ox on Sunday afternoon.

In Friday's game,  the Moose had a pesky Yoopers team stick around for much of the game. They even struck first as their points leader Caleb Griffin got them on the board early, just over two minutes in. Captain Dylan Gast answered for the Moose to tie it up. The real separation came in the third period. It really took that long just to solve the riddle that was Yoopers goaltender Leonardo Feneley. The flood gates would open with four goals in the third period for a 7-3 win at home. Kevin Hale would get the win, stopping 20 of 23 shots.

Saturday's game was a much better start for the Moose, who dominated from start to finish. Dylan Gast would once again lead the way offensively with two goals and two assists. Jake Peterson, Jesse Anderson, Matteo Menotti, and Gavin Proeh all tallied three points to add to the offensive explosion in a 9-2 win. Jacob Fry got the start in net and lost his bid for a shutout in the third period, but still made 33 saves in the win. Fry moved his record to a perfect 6-0 on the season.

Sunday had a playoff atmosphere with the first place Minnesota Blue Ox coming into the building. These two teams have quickly become the most intense rivals in the Midwest West division and that rivalry was showcased in Blaine on Sunday. The Moose jumped out to a two goal lead in the first period with a goal from Dylan Gast on the power play and Matt Krasny getting a late goal off a good bounce from the boards. The second period the two teams traded goals and penalties as the game started to take an ugly turn. 13 penalties were assessed in the second period alone. The Blue Ox came on strong in the third period and scored two goals on Jacob Fry, who had to come in to replace an injured Kevin Hale. The Blue Ox were able to force overtime. Phillip Schader was able to give the Blue Ox the win, as he scored just 41 seconds into the extra period. 

The Moose will be in action the day after Thanksgiving with a home and home series with the Steele County Blades, then the weekend after that another home and home series with the Wisconsin Muskies. 

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!