Bucky Benders Beat Minnesota Not Wild 9–5, Start Season 2–0 for First Time in Franchise History

The Bucky Benders kept their unbeaten streak alive Wednesday night, defeating the Minnesota Not Wild 9–5 in a high-energy, sometimes chaotic contest. For the first time in franchise history, the Benders have opened the season 2–0, and their confidence is higher than ever.

The game began in unusual fashion, as the Not Wild were forced to use the dreaded shooter tutor due to a late-arriving goalie. The Benders wasted no time pouncing on the opportunity, putting two quick goals past the empty nets to set the tone early. Still, the Not Wild refused to collapse. Exploiting defensive miscues, their top players found open looks and tied the game 2–2 to end the first period.

With their goalie finally on the ice to start the second, the Not Wild looked steadier—but only slightly. The Benders struck quickly to regain the lead, only for the Not Wild to rally once again to even things at 3–3. From there, the Benders’ grit began to show. They stormed ahead with two unanswered goals, closing the second period up 5–3.

The third period saw plenty of swings, including one tough moment for goalie Rosner, when a puck slid between his pads and was nudged into the net, bringing the Not Wild within one. Rosner later shrugged off the miscue: “You can’t give them freebies like that, but the guys picked me up right away. That’s what this group is about—we don’t dwell, we just respond.”

Respond they did. The Benders notched three straight goals to take firm control before a tripping penalty led to a Not Wild power play conversion. After one final garbage-time goal, the Benders closed with a 9–5 victory.

Player Highlights

Viktor Mitchell made his season debut after missing the opener, and he delivered with two assists and steady defensive play. “It felt great to get back out there with the boys,” Mitchell said. “The pace, the chemistry, it’s all there this year. I think we’re showing we can win in different ways.”

Captain Marco Salomone also got on the scoresheet with his first point of the season, providing a slick setup on a key goal. “Honestly, the points are nice, but what matters is how tight this group is,” Salomone shared. “There’s a real belief in the room—we expect to win every time we step out now.”

For the first time in team history, the Bucky Benders sit at 2–0, a milestone not lost on Rosner. “We’ve had seasons start off flat before, but this feels different,” he said. “There’s momentum, accountability, and just a lot of fun. We know the season is long, but right now this group has something special.”

With early-season expectations rising and chemistry building quickly, the Benders are already eyeing bigger goals than just a hot start.