The Austin Bruins are looking ahead to a big weekend as they have won seven straight games and taken nine of their last 10 contests.

Austin has points in all 10 games since the month of November began and the Bruins lead the Central Division with 30 points — two ahead of Aberdeen and four ahead of Bismarck and Brookings who they play this weekend.

Brookings has been a menace to the Bruins, who have won just one of five meetings so far this season. The Blizzard swept a three-game set in late October.

The Bruins are coming off a road sweep in Bismarck, completing a 4-0 season series at the Bobcats’ home arena. The weekend series featured two thrilling games, highlighted by Jaden Shields’ first four NAHL goals.

Trailing 2-1 with less than six minutes remaining on Friday, Shields scored from the point to tie the game, and then followed with the game-winner with just 17 seconds to go, as the Bruins took the 3-2 win.

Saturday’s game was a higher scoring affair, with the Bruins coming out on top, 8-6. They trailed 4-2 at the end of one period despite goals by Shields and Andy Willis, who finished the weekend with seven points (one goal, six assists).

Newcomer Dante Sheriff and defenseman Dan Petrick scored in the second period to tie the game. Down 5-4 in the third, the Bruins received a three-minute power play and scored four times to turn the game in their favor.

During the outburst Bismarck assistant coach Garrett Roth went on a tirade, launching sticks onto the ice. A fan video of the incident has since gone viral.

Shields was named the NAHL’s Central Division First Star of the Week.

Friday’s game is in Brookings at 7:05 p.m. with Saturday’s weekend finale at Riverside Arena at 7:05 p.m.

All players and coaches participating in this weekend’s Packer Classic Squirt Tournament are eligible for $5 tickets at the door. Fans can purchase general admission tickets for $4 off the door price at Hy Vee, Jim’s Marketplace, Games People Play, and the Holiday Inn. The Bruins and Sears Hometown Store are also raffling off a Craftsman 24-inch snowblower with proceeds benefiting the Austin Bruins Foundation.