WATERTOWN, SD. (Friday, February 28th, 2025):
The Watertown Shamrocks secured a gritty 3-2 victory over the Minnesota Mallards on Friday night, capitalizing on special teams play and strong goaltending. Joseph Rice led the charge with a goal and two assists, while Carter Sproule contributed a goal and an assist to pace the Shamrocks’ offense. Watertown jumped out to an early lead in the first period and maintained control throughout, netting two power-play goals on three opportunities. Despite being outshot 31-35, Mallards’ goaltender Zane Spaniol kept the game close with key saves, but Watertown’s ability to convert on special teams proved to be the difference.
Minnesota made a push in the third period, cutting the deficit to one with a late goal, but Shamrocks’ netminder Mason Gudridge stood tall with a 29-save performance to secure the win. The game was a physical battle, highlighted by multiple fights and a total of 56 combined penalty minutes. Watertown’s discipline on the penalty kill, stopping all five Minnesota power plays, proved crucial.
WATERTOWN, SD. (Saturday, March 1st, 2025):
The Watertown Shamrocks dominated the Minnesota Mallards with a commanding 5-1 victory on Saturday night at Prairie Lakes Ice Arena. The Shamrocks came out strong, netting two goals in the first period before adding another in the second and two more in the third. Brandt Dubey led the charge with two goals and an assist, while Rylan Anaruk contributed two assists. Goaltender Phileas Lachat was stellar between the pipes, stopping 32 of 33 shots to secure the win. Despite outshooting Watertown 33-25, the Mallards struggled to capitalize on opportunities, managing only one goal from defenseman Marek Thompson in the second period.
Discipline played a role in the game, as both teams took multiple penalties, but neither was able to convert on the power play. Watertown went 0-for-2, while Minnesota failed to score on four chances. The Shamrocks’ defense held firm in the final period, limiting the Mallards’ attack and sealing the win. With this victory, Watertown improves to 5-1-0-1 against Minnesota this season, continuing their dominance in the matchup. The Shamrocks will look to build on this momentum in their next contest against the home stand against N. Iowa Bulls who is right ahead in the rankings.