Tauros Time: Longtime friends Spencer, Small reunite on ice in Minot
A pair of Chicagoans who played hockey together as kids have been reunited on the ice in the Magic City. Longtime friends Ian Spencer and John Small have reunited on the Minotauros ice team in Minot, North Dakota. The pair grew up in the Chicago suburbs and began playing hockey together when they were six years old. Small, who has scored nine goals and 20 assists in his first year with the Tauros, expressed his joy at being back on the same team with Spencer. The team is currently on an eight-game winning streak and seven points clear of the Bismarck Bobcats.
Published : 4 weeks ago by John Jacklin in
MINOT, N.D. (KMOT) - An athlete plays with a myriad of other athletes throughout one’s career, from little league, club, junior high, high school and beyond. Rarely does one reunite with an old teammate after high school. However, this is the case for Minotauros forwards Ian Spencer and John Small.
Spencer and Small grew up in the Chicago suburbs only 10 minutes apart. They met each other when they were six years old and began playing hockey together a few years later. Spencer recalled how their reunion on the Tauros came about.
“I told Cody [Campbell] about [John Small], and he obviously liked him because Johnny played in a good league obviously and put up good numbers. The next day, Johnny got drafted here and ended up coming here, and he loved it; so it was good,” said Spencer.
Small, who has registered nine goals and 20 assists in his first year with the program, described how it’s been back on the same team with his childhood friend.
“He’s been awesome. He’s just a fun guy to be around, he’s a good guy. We’ve been friends for so long and have so many memories. It’s great to be doing something we both love here in a great atmosphere and place,” said Small.
The duo said they have innate chemistry on the ice, and it dates back to playing on the same line together at just nine years old.
“I just know where he’s going to be, he knows where I’m going to be. If I’m open, he’s going to get me the puck, and if he’s open I’m going to try to get him the puck. We obviously still talk on the ice, but it’s not even needed sometimes,” said Small.
Spencer, Small and the rest of the Tauros are finally back at Maysa Arena this weekend, hosting the St. Cloud Norsemen. Faceoff is at 7:35 p.m. both Friday and Saturday.
The Tauros are riding an eight-game winning streak and are seven points clear of the Bismarck Bobcats atop the central division.