MOORHEAD, Minn. – The Aberdeen Cougars had another big day at the Junior Gold boys’ hockey tournament on Saturday.

After winning twice on Friday, the Cougars secured two more victories on Saturday to advance to the semifinals this morning. Aberdeen avenged a loss to the Mitchell Marlins 4-2, before defeating the Minot Wolves 6-2.

Micah Kranzler had a pair of goals in the win over Mitchell, and goalie Colton Townsend had 39 saves in net.

“It was nice to get the win against Mitchell after losing to them in Aberdeen,” said Cougars coach Jeremey Backous. “I think that win was a big confidence boost for our team.”

The Cougars scored twice in each period in the win over Minot. Lleyton Kleffman scored twice, while Michael Weisenburger and Devon Fischbach each had a goal and an assist in that victory.

“I thought we played some really good hockey against Minot. They’re a good team with a lot of speed, but our forecheck made it difficult for them,” Backous said. “We created a lot of scoring chances and turnovers, because we were aggressive and quick to pucks. It was a really good team effort and a fun hockey game.”

The Cougars, 9-2 on the season, take on Moorhead in the semifinals at 8 this morning.

“Moorhead will be a tough game,” Backous said. “They’re fundamentally sound and play good hockey. It should be another good game for the team.”

Mitchell Marlins 1 0 1 – 2

Aberdeen Cougars 2 1 1 – 4

First Period: 1, AC, Micah Kranzler (Quincy Madsen), 11:24; 2, AC, Lleyton Kleffman (Devon Fischbach), 6:49; 3, MM, Parker Denne (Tyson Sabers), :27.

Second Period: 4, AC, Kranzler (Jackson Garstecki, Madsen), 10:41.

Third Period: 5, AC, Lance Siefken (unassisted); 6, MM, Mick Dailey (Levi Loken, Lukas Jerke), 2:08.

Shots on Goal: Mitchell Marlins 41; Aberdeen Cougars 39.

Goalies: Mitchell Marlins, Ian Vaughan (35 saves); Aberdeen Cougars, Colton Townsend (39 saves).

Minot Wolves 0 1 0 – 1

Aberdeen Cougars 2 2 2 – 6

First Period: 1, AC, Michael Weisenburger (Brady Huff), 11:21; 2, AC, Lleyton Kleffman (unassisted), 6:56.

Second Period: 3, AC, Quincy Madsen (Weisenburger), 12:29; 4, AC, Jaxon Danielson (Devon Fischbach, Lance Siefken), 10:21; 5, MW, Holden Meyer (unassisted), :56.

Third Period: 6, AC, Kleffman (Aiden Posthumus, Fischbach), 11:03; 7, AC, Levi Little (Siefken), 3:09.

Shots on Goal: Minot Wolves 20; Aberdeen Cougars 50

Goalies: Minot Wolves, Konner Erdman (44 saves); Aberdeen Cougars, Colton Townsend (19 saves).