Rats Head Into Crucial Game 4

Minneapolis, MN – The Minnesota Rink Rats went down in a heartbreaking loss last night in Minnesota. Tied 3-3 going into the 3rd period, the Icedogs’ Kimo Timonen fired a one timer from the point to score the game winning goal and put the Icedogs up 2-1 in the series. A fairly even series thus far, last night’s win sets up a crucial game 4 for Minnesota, one in which they must win.

“This will be a big game for us; most likely one of the biggest games in our club’s history,” stated Head Coach Barry Melrose. “Our first line is going to have to contribute more then they have in the past couple of games and really step up. We’re also going to need to focus on finishing strong. The past couple of games we’ve done a good job at getting ahead early but we’re losing focus and letting the Icedogs back into it late in the game. They’re too good to turn our backs on them.”

Minnesota will be without defenseman Derek Morris for Game 4 who is currently serving a 4 game suspension for his actions in Game 6 of the Semi-Finals. Morris was a key contributor to the Rink Rats’ success prior to his suspension and his loss has been felt during the series thus far.

“We’re definitely missing his presence … Derek is a key contributor on the ice and logs a lot of ice time for us,” said Brent Burns. “We’ll pull together for tonight’s game and hopefully Derek will come back rested and ready to go.”

The Minnesota Rink Rats are playing in the club’s first WHL Cup Final and second consecutive playoffs under 2 year GM Rink Rat. Neither the Icedogs nor Rink Rats have won a Cup before; this season will see a new team host the Cup for their first time.