Mason City, IA- The Mason City Toros began the 2025-26 season with a 2-1 overtime loss against the Minnesota Wilderness. Mason City jumped off the blocks hot in both the first and second periods, controlling the pace and rhythm of the frames with a 13-7 and a 19-11 shot counter advantage in the first & second periods respectively. Wilderness goaltender Jay Svaren shone brightly with a dominant performance matched by Toro netminder Sawyer Torkelson to send the game into the second intermission with no goals.
Mason City broke the ice with a fantastic tip shot by St. Louis native Jason Williams 2:07 into the third stanza. The goal was Williams’ first in the first game of his NA3HL career. Carter Bollinger & Hunter Anderson notched the assists on the goal. Anderson’s helper was the first of his NA3HL career in his first junior hockey game.
Minnesota found an answer 3:48 later when Brant Tiedeman scored to tie the score at one goal apiece. Torkelson & Svaren held firm for the rest of regulation and sent the game into overtime.
Despite a valiant effort, Mason City fell in the extra session. Job Carpentier ended the night 3:25 into the overtime period. Mason City will get a point out of the season opener. Torkelson recorded 28 saves in Mason City’s net. Svaren hung 44 saves on the board for the Wilderness in their victory.
The Toros & Wilderness will meet up on Saturday night to conclude the weekend set. Puck drop is at 6:30 PM at the Mason City Arena.