UPDATE: In a thrilling overtime finish, the Central Knights defeated Fargo Davies 4-3 at Purpur Arena on Thursday night, despite relinquishing a two-goal lead in the third period. Rylan Spicer, Nolan Marto, and Gavin Wockenfuss played pivotal roles, with Wockenfuss scoring the decisive goal in overtime.
The game was marked by intense momentum swings, as Central held a 3-1 lead late in the third period. However, a critical penalty assessed to Trey Clauson for contact to the head at 8:21 shifted the game dynamics, allowing Davies to capitalize on their power play opportunities. Just moments after Central killed off a 5-on-3 disadvantage, the Eagles struck back, with Mason Pederson scoring followed quickly by Dom Diebert to level the score.
“Hopefully, it’s a character builder for us to be in a tight game like that,” said Central head coach Grant Paranica. “The good thing about it is we were able to come back from that and get the win.”
Despite their late-game struggles, the Knights showcased resilience, pushing back with multiple scoring attempts in regulation and overtime. Wockenfuss’s game-winning goal came from a well-placed centering pass by Spicer, who notched four points in the match.
Central’s power play has been a concern this season, converting only 1 out of 10 attempts while allowing five goals against. Paranica’s frustration was evident: “Our specialty teams have not been good this year. We let the game get out of control,” he said.
As the Knights prepare for their next showdown against Red River on Tuesday, they are currently sitting in second place in the East with five points following this vital victory. Fargo Davies remains at one point with a 1-1-0-1 record.
Stay tuned for further updates as Central aims to build on this momentum and improve their special teams performance in upcoming matches.
