April 19th, 2015
After winning the last two games, the Brooks Bandits were attempting to force a seventh and deciding game while the Spruce Grove Saints were once again looking for their second straight Gas Drive Cup Championship.
Gas Drive Cup Finals – Spruce Grove Saints @ Brooks Bandits (Saints lead 3-2)
Jordan Thomas scored the winner in overtime as the Saints edged the Bandits 2-1 to capture the Gas Drive Cup.
Both teams would get power play goals in the first. Connor James (assists to Parker Mackay and Jarid Hauptman @9:04) on a wrap around would stuff his first of the finals past Bandits (starting) goaltender Josh Davies. Alex Roberts (assists to Cale Makar and Madison Dunn @17:08) blasted his third of series past Saints (starting) goaltender Matthew Murray. Shots were even 9-9.
Neither team was able to find the back of the net in the second. Shots favored Spruce Grove 8-7 in the second and 17-16 in the hockey game. Once again, neither team was able to turn on the red light in the third. Shots favored the Saints 13-8 in the third and 30-24 after regulation.
Spruce Grove would get the winner early in overtime. Right off the faceoff Jordan Thomas (assists to Lukas Biensch and Tristan Sieben @1:38) ripped his first of the round behind Davies. Shots favored Brooks 3-1 in overtime but favored the Saints 31-27 overall.
The Saints will join the Oil Barons in Fort McMurray for the start of the Western Canada Cup on April 25th.
April 17th, 2015
The Brooks Bandits were trying to stay alive again while the Spruce Grove Saints were looking to secure their second straight Gas Drive Cup title.
Gas Drive Cup Finals Game #5
Brooks Bandits @ Spruce Grove Saints (Saints lead 3-1)
Austin Plevy scored once and added three assists as Brooks would defeat Spruce Grove 6-4.
Both teams would find the back of the net twice in the first. Both teams would get their first goals on the power play. Anthony Paskaruk (assist to Austin Plevy and Shane Bear @5:40) jammed his first of the finals through the pads of Saints (starting) goaltender Matthew Murray. Paul Lovsin (assists to Josh Harris and Connor James @7:06) blasted a one-timer past Bandits (starting) goaltender Josh Davies for his first of the series. Austin Plevy (unassisted @9:28) on a breakaway would backhand his second of the round over Murray. Tristan Sieben (assists to Tyler Busch and Austin Hunter @15:22) redirected his first of the finals past Davies. Shots favored Spruce Grove 16-12.
Brooks would outscore Spruce Grove 4-1 in the second. Anthony Paskaruk (assist to Austin Plevy @3:08) redirected his second of the night and second of the series past Murray. Alex Roberts (assist to Mark Logan @6:39) moved to the middle of the ice and snapped his second of the round over the shoulder of Murray. Jared Cockrell (assist to Anthony Paskaruk @11:15) pounced on the rebound and buried his second of finals past Murray. Jared Cockrell (assists to Austin Plevy and Adam Baughman @12:40) would get his second of the night and third of series on a backhand from the bottom of the left faceoff circle. That would spell the end of the night for Murray, who would give up six goals on 22 shots. The Saints would get one back on the power play. Tyler Busch (assists to Jordan Thomas and Riley Simpson @15:42) on the rebound would shovel his first of finals past Davies. Shots were even 12-12 in the second and favored Spruce Grove 28-24 in the hockey game.
The Saints would get the lone goal on the power play in the third. Colton Leiter (assists to Paul Lovsin and Jarid Hauptman @1:31) wristed his second of round over the glove of Davies. Shots favored Spruce Grove 12-4 in the third and 40-28 overall.
Game six will be in Brooks on Sunday night.
Story by Chris Colwell
@Cjcolwell
April 14th, 2015
Game four of the Gas Drive Cup Finals had the Saints one win away from defending their title while the Bandits were hoping to stay alive and send the series back to Spruce Grove.
Gas Drive Cup Finals Game #4
Spruce Grove Saints @ Brooks Bandits (Saints lead 3-0)
Chase Clayton Scored twice as the Bandits edged the Saints 2-1 to stay alive in the Gas Drive Cup Final.
Spruce Grove would get the lone goal in the first just after their power play expired. Jarid Hauptman (assist to Cole Nicholson @6:20) redirected his second of the finals past Bandits (starting) goaltender Josh Davies. Shots favored Spruce Grove 12-4.
The Bandits would get the lone goal of the second on the power play. Chase Clayton (assist to Jared Cockrell @8:42) picked up the loose puck and slipped his first of the finals behind Saints (starting) goaltender Matthew Murray. Shots were 10-4 Brooks in the second but were 20-14 Saints in the hockey game.
Late in the third the Bandits would get the winning goal. Chase Clayton (assists to Alex Roberts and Austin Plevy @19:45) scored his second of the night and second of the round with a hard wrist shot from the slot. Shots were 15-2 Brooks in the third and 29-22 overall.
Game five will be in Spruce Grove on Friday night.
Story by Chris Colwell
@Cjcolwell
April 13th, 2015
The Gas Drive Cup Finals shifted to Brooks with the Bandits looking for some home cooking while the Saints were trying to take a 3-0 strangle hold on the series.
Gas Drive Cup Finals Game #3
Spruce Grove Saints @ Brooks Bandits (Saints lead 2-0)
Matthew Murray made 23 saves as the Saints would take game three 3-1 to take a 3-0 series lead.
Spruce Grove would get the lone goal of the first on the power play. Carson Samoridny (assists to Parker Mackay and Josh Harris @5:44) blasted one-timer behind Bandits (starting) goaltender Josh Davies for his first of the series. Shots favored Brooks 8-7.
The Saints would get the lone goal on the power play in the second. Parker Mackay (assist to Brandon Biro @18:37) would toe drag his way to the slot and wrist his second of the finals over Davies. Shots were even 6-6 in the second and were 14-13 Bandits in the hockey game.
Both teams would find the back of the net in the third. Brooks would get on the board with a power play goal. Alex Roberts (assists to Austin Plevy and Chase Clayton @12:14) blasted his first of round past Saints (starting) goaltender Matthew Murray. Cole Nicholson (unassisted @19:57) would slide his first of the series into the empty net. Shots were 10-8 Bandits in the third and 24-21 overall.
Game four will be in Brooks on Tuesday night.
Story by Chris Colwell
@Cjcolwell
April 11th, 2015
Game two of the Gas Drive Cup Finals took place on Saturday night in Spruce Grove.
Gas Drive Cup Finals Game #2
Brooks Bandits @ Spruce Grove Saints (Saints lead 1-0)
Matthew Murray stopped 18 of 19 shots as the Saints edged the Bandits 2-1.
Brooks would get the lone goal in the first. Madison Dunn (assists to Jeff Malott and Linden Springer @3:57) on the rebound would tap his first of the finals behind Saints (starting) goaltender Matthew Murray. Shots favored Spruce Grove 11-9 in the period.
Neither team would be able to find the back of the net in the second. Shots favored the Saints 9-4 in the period and 20-13 in the hockey game.
Spruce Grove would score twice late in the third to secure the victory. Austin Hunter (assists to Travis McEvoy and Lukas Biensch @14:42) would get two whacks at the puck before scoring his first of the series beating Bandits (starting) goaltender Josh Davies. Brandon Biro (assists to Connor James and Nicolas Correale @16:29) from his stomach would knock the puck out of the air and into the back of the net for his first of the round. Shots were even 6-6 in the third and favored Spruce Grove 26-19 overall.
The Series shifts to Brooks for game three on Monday night.
Story by Chris Colwell
@Cjcolwell
April 7th, 2015
It was winner take all in the South Division Finals between the Brooks Bandits and Camrose Kodiaks on Tuesday night.
Brooks Bandits @ Camrose Kodiaks (series tied 3-3)
Kyler Nachtigall scored twice as the Bandits defeated the Kodiaks 5-2.
Brooks would outscore Camrose 2-1 in the opening frame. Chase Clayton (assist to Austin Plevy @6:57) backhanded his first of the series past Kodiaks (starting) goaltender Devin McDonald. Just 14 seconds later Cole McBride (assists to Ryker Leer and Spencer Kryczka @7:11) would spin and fire his first of the round over the shoulder of Bandits (starting) goaltender Josh Davies. Kyler Nachtigall (assist to Madison Dunn @8:28) stuffed his second of the series past McDonald. Shots favored Brooks 21-9.
The Bandits would double their lead in the second. On the power play, Brooks would take a 3-1 lead. Jared Cockrell (assists to Austin Plevy and Chase Clayton @6:18) from the bottom of the right faceoff circle backhanded his second of the round over McDonald. A mere 49 seconds later Alex Roberts (unassisted @7:07) would take advantage of a turnover and bury his third of the series. Ryker Leer (assist to Braeden Salverda @12:53) from the top of the slot snapped his fourth of the round over Davies. Shots favored the Bandits 15-6 in second and 36-15 in the hockey game.
Brooks would get the lone goal in the third into an empty net. Kyler Nachtigall (unassisted @19:48) would put his third of the series and second of the night into the empty net from the neutral zone. Shots favored the Kodiaks 13-3 in the third but finished up 39-28 Bandits.
Brooks will travel to Spruce Grove to open up the Gas Drive Cup Finals on Friday night.
Story by Chris Colwell
@Cjcolwell
April 10th, 2015
The 2015 Gas Drive Cup Finals opened up on Friday night with the last two champions doing battle to represent Alberta at the Western Canada Cup.
Gas Drive Cup Finals Game #1
Brooks Bandits @ Spruce Grove Saints (series tied 0-0)
Riley Simpson scored once and added two assists as the Saints took game one 5-2 over the Bandits.
The two teams would exchange goals in the first. Jarid Hauptman (assists to Nicolas Correale and Riley Simpson @6:58) would dangle his way into the Brooks zone and beat (starting) goaltender Josh Davies. Jared Cockrell (assists to Austin Plevy and Chase Clayton @11:41) redirected a cross ice pass behind Spruce Grove (starting) goaltender Matthew Murray. Shots favored the Saints 10-7.
Spruce Grove would score all three goals in the second to take a 4-1 lead. Riley Simpson (assists to Jarid Hauptman and Nicolas Correale @5:36) blasted a one-timer over the blocker of Davies. On the power play, the Saints would add to their lead. Colton Leiter (assists to Riley Simpson and Tyler Busch @8:28) snapped a shot from the point past Davies. Just 41 seconds after that Lukas Biensch (assist to Isaac Farrah @9:09) from the top of the crease would poke the puck past Davies. Shots favored Spruce Grove 14-4 in the second and 24-11 in the hockey game.
Both teams would find the back of the net with special team goals in the third. While shorthanded Austin Plevy (unassisted @5:51) would get multiple whacks at the puck and jam it by Murray. The Saints would get that goal back on the power play. Parker Mackay (assist to Brandon Biro @7:34) took a drop pass and wired a wrist shot over the glove of Davies. Shots favored Brooks 10-7 in the third but were 31-21 Spruce Grove overall.
Game two will be in Spruce Grove on Saturday night.
Story by Chris Colwell
@Cjcolwell
April 5th, 2015
Sunday night had the Bandits and Saints looking to advance while the Kodiaks and Pontiacs were trying to force a seventh and deciding game in the divisional finals.
South Finals Game #6
Camrose Kodiaks @ Brooks Bandits (Bandits lead 3-2)
Spencer Kryczka had a hat-trick and an assist as the Kodiaks force game seven with a 6-2 victory.
Camrose would out score Brooks 2-1 in the first. Austin Plevy (assist to Alex Roberts @3:29) on a toe drag would backhand his third of the series over Kodiaks (starting) goaltender Devin McDonald. Dallas Bergstrom (assists to Spencer Kryczka and Ryker Leer @4:51) would tip his first of the series over the blocker of Bandits (starting) goaltender Josh Davies. While shorthanded Spencer Kryczka (assist to Devin McDonald @12:31) would get a breakaway and make no mistake flicking his fourth of the series past Davies. Shots favored the Camrose 11-8.
The Kodiaks would add to their lead with three goals in the second. On the power play, Camrose would double their lead. Spencer Kryczka (assists to Ryker Leer and Brett Njaa @3:27) poked his second of the night and fifth of the series past Davies. Just 23 seconds after that Adam Wheeldon (assists to Jack Thomas and Trevor Costello @3:50) off the end boards shoveled his first of the series past Davies. Ryker Leer (unassisted @17:44) blocked a chance and then on a breakaway would backhand his third of the round five-hole on Davies. Shots favored the Bandits 10-9 in the second but were 20-18 Kodiaks in the hockey game.
Both teams would find the back of the net in the third. Jared Cockrell (assists to Mark Logan and Derek Lodermeier @11:12) wired his first of the round from just inside the blue line. A mere 34 seconds after that Spencer Kryczka (assist to Cole McBride @11:46) completed the hat trick tucking a shot just inside the post on Davies. That was Kryczka's sixth goal of the round. Shots favored Brooks 14-9 in the third and 32-29 overall.
Game seven will be in Camrose on Tuesday night.
North Finals Game #6
Spruce Grove Saints @ Bonnyville Pontiacs (Saints lead 3-2)
Connor James scored twice as the Saints defeated the Pontiacs 3-1 to win the Viterra North Division.
Spruce Grove would get the lone goal late in the first. Jarid Hauptman (assists to Brandon Biro and Parker Mackay @19:13) turned and snapped his third of the series past Pontiacs (starting) goaltender Troy Trombley. Shots were 10-7 Saints.
Bonnyville would get a shorthanded goal to tie the game. Bobby McMann (assist to Steenn Pasichnuk @5:41) on a breakaway would wrist his third of the round behind Saints (starting) goaltender Brett Zarowny. Shots favored Spruce Grove 15-6 in the second and 25-13 in the hockey game.
Two goals by the Saints in the third would power them to victory. Connor James (assists to Parker Mackay and Jarid Hauptman @8:19) blasted his first of the series over the blocker of Trombley. Connor James (assist to Parker Mackay @18:49) would put his second of the night and round into an empty net. Shots favored Bonnyville 12-7 in the third but were 32-25 Saints overall.
The Saints will await their Gas Drive Cup Final opponent that will be determined on Tuesday.
Story by Chris Colwell
@Cjcolwell
April 3rd, 2015
With both the North and South finals tied 2-2 everyone was looking for the advantage heading into Sunday.
South Finals Game #5
Brooks Bandits @ Camrose Kodiaks (series tied 2-2)
Mark Logan and Derek Lodermeier each had a goal and two assists as the Bandits took a 3-2 series lead with a 5-3 victory.
Two quick goals by Brooks had them up 2-0 after one. Derek Lodermeier (assist to Mark Logan @2:31) scored his fifth of the series from a sharp angle beating Kodiaks (starting) goaltender Devin McDonald. Mark Logan (assists to Derek Lodermeier and Cale Makar @8:45) would get his first of the series on a drop pass at the left faceoff circle beating McDonald. Shots were 10-8 Camrose.
The Kodiaks would outscore Brooks 3-2 in the second to get within one. On the power play, the Bandits would add to their lead. Alex Roberts (assists to Mark Logan and Derek Lodermeier @5:33) on the rebound would wrist his second of the series five-hole on McDonald. Spencer Kryczka (assists to Trevor Costello and Scott Ferguson @12:48) would get his second of the series on the rebound chipping the puck over the glove of Bandits (starting) goaltender Josh Davies. Trevor Costello (assist to Scott Ferguson @14:57) would get his first of the series when he blasted a point shot past Davies. On the power play, Camrose would tie the game. Spencer Kryczka (assist to Stefan Danielson @16:08) on the rebound would get his second of the series beating Davies. Just 44 seconds later Austin Plevy (assist to Alex Roberts @16:52) on the rebound went bar down for his second of the series to give the Bandits back the lead. Shots were 15-14 Brooks in the second but were 24-23 Camrose in the hockey game.
The Bandits doubled their lead in the third with the lone goal. Madison Dunn (assist to Anthony Paskaruk @6:40) shoveled his first of the series five-hole on McDonald. Shots favored Brooks 15-13 in the third but were 39-38 Kodiaks overall.
Game six will be in Brooks on Sunday night.
North Finals Game #5
Bonnyville Pontiacs @ Spruce Grove Saints (series tied 2-2)
Colton Leiter scored twice and added an assist as the Saints took out the Pontiacs 6-2 in game five.
Spruce Grove would outscore Bonnyville 3-1 in the opening frame. Brandon Biro (assist to Colton Leiter @3:44) collected the rebound and shoveled his first of the series past Pontiacs (starting) goaltender Troy Trombley. Just 21 seconds after that Jarid Hauptman (assist to Nicolas Correale @4:05) scored his second of the series on a wrap around to make it 2-0. Colton Leiter (assists to Austin Hunter and Lukas Biensch @10:56) turned and wristed his first of the series five-hole on Trombley. On the power play, the Pontiacs would get on the board. Bobby McMann (assists to Braiden Doucette and Steenn Pasichnuk @15:22) would get his second of the series from the left faceoff circle beating Saints (starting) goaltender Matthew Murray. Shots favored the Saints 12-9.
Spruce Grove added to their lead by outscoring Bonnyville 2-1 in the second. Kyler Hehn (unassisted @13:29) would get a breakaway and backhand his second of series over the blocker of Murray. Just 31 seconds later Tyler Busch (assist to Jordan Thomas @14:00) tipped his third of the series past Trombley. Colton Leiter (assist to Jarid Hauptman @16:20) would blast his second of the night and round past Trombley. That would be the end of the night for Trombley, who would give up five goals on 23 shots. Shots favored the Saints 18-7 in the second and 30-16 in the hockey game.
Just one goal in the third and it came courtesy of Spruce Grove. Brandon Biro (assists to Josh Harris and Jordan Thomas @2:21) finished off a tic tac toe play for his second of the night and series beating Pontiacs (backup) goaltender Joey Desrosiers. Shots were 15-8 Saints in the third and 45-24 overall.
Bonnyville will host game six on Sunday night.
Story by Chris Colwell
@Cjcolwell
March 31st, 2015
Both divisional finals are heating up with a pair of teams looking to even the series while two teams were looking to go up 3-1.
South Finals Game #4
Camrose Kodiaks @ Brooks Bandits (Kodiaks lead 2-1)
Austin Plevy had a goal and two assists as the Bandits edged the Kodiaks 5-4 in overtime to tie the South Final at two games apiece.
The first period would be a high scoring affair as Camrose held a 4-2 lead on Brooks. Braeden Salverda (assist to Adam Wheeldon @3:09) scored his third goal in two games when he pounced on a rebound beating Bandits (starting) goaltender Josh Davies. Austin Plevy (assists to Derek Lodermeier and Mark Logan @7:24) snipped his first goal of the series finishing off a two on one beating Kodiaks (starting) goaltender Devin McDonald. Just 20 seconds later Cam Gotaas (unassisted @7:44) would get his second goal of the series when he stole the puck in the corner and beat Davies short side from the left faceoff circle. Scott Ferguson (assists to Braeden Salverda and Dallas Bergstrom @11:22) wrister from the left faceoff circle would squeeze through the pads of Davies. That goal by Ferguson was his third goal of the series to give the Kodiaks a 3-1 lead. Scott Ferguson (assist to Valik Chichkin @15:52) backhanded his second of the night and fourth of the series into the net from the top of the crease. Derek Lodermeier (assists to Austin Plevy and Linden Springer @19:33) completed a tic tac toe play for his fourth goal in the last two games. Shots were 15-13 Camrose.
Two goals in the second by the Bandits would get them even heading to the third. Kyler Nachtigall (unassisted @5:26) driving down the right side would beat McDonald over the glove for his first of the series. Alex Roberts (assist to Austin Plevy and Chase Clayton @17:56) hammered his first of the series on a one-timer over McDonald to tie the game 4-4. Shots were 14-8 Brooks in the second and 27-23 in the hockey game.
Neither team would be able to find the back of the net in the third, and it was off to overtime. Shots favored the Bandits 10-4 in the third and 37-27 after regulation.
Overtime wouldn't last long before the Bandits would win it on a power play goal. Shane Bear (unassisted @0:41) shot from the point would get over McDonald and tie the series 2-2. For Bear, it was his second of the series. Shots were 1-0 Bandits in overtime and 38-27 overall.
Game five will be in Camrose on Friday night.
North Finals Game #4
Spruce Grove Saints @ Bonnyville Pontiacs (Saints lead 2-1)
Troy Trombley turned away 25 shots as the Pontiacs would even up the North Final with a 5-3 win over the Saints.
Bonnyville came out strong going up 2-0 on Spruce Grove in the first. Kyler Hehn (assist to Dillan McCombie @0:26) wired his second goal of the series with a slap shot from the top of the faceoff circle past Saints (starting) goaltender Brett Zarowny. Ryan Piche (assist to Brinson Pasichnuk @9:57) poked the rebound past Zarwony for his first of the series. Shots were 12-8 Pontiacs.
The Saints would outscore Bonnyville 3-2 to get within one after two periods. Bobby McMann (assists to Alden Dupuis and Evan Warmington @2:40) extended the Pontiacs lead to 3-0 with his first of the series over the glove of Zarowny. That would spell the end of the night for the Saints goaltender who would give up three goals on 16 shots. Tyler Busch (assist to Austin Hunter @10:18) gets his second of the series when he caught Pontiacs (starting) goaltender Troy Trombley out of position. Carson Samoridny (assists to Brendan Holterhus and Lukas Biensch @17:10) blasted his first of the series on a one-timer over Trombley. Shots were 10-9 Bonnyville in the second and 22-17 in the hockey game.
The Pontiacs would outscore the Saints 2-1 in the third. Right off the faceoff Erik Donald (unassisted @3:09) would drive to the front of the net and slip his second of the series past Saints (backup) goaltender Matthew Murray to make it 4-2. Carson Samoridny (assist to Parker Mackay @7:02) took a drop pass and snipped his second of the night and second of the series past Trombley. Dillan McCombie (unassisted @19:49) second goal of the series would be into an empty net as the insurance marker. Shots favored the Saints 11-10 in the third but were 32-28 Pontiacs overall.
Spruce Grove will host game five on Friday night.
Story by Chris Colwell
@Cjcolwell
March 30th, 2015
Day 16 of the Gas Drive Playoffs had two games played on Monday.
South Finals Game #3
Camrose Kodiaks @ Brooks Bandits (Kodiaks lead 2-0)
Derek Lodermeier's hat trick leads the Bandits to a 4-2 victory and gets's them back in their series with the Kodiaks.
The two teams exchange goals in the first. Derek Lodermeier (unassisted @6:02) on a wrap around would jam the puck past Kodiaks (starting) goaltender Devin McDonald. Braeden Salverda (assists to Adam Wheeldon and Devin McDonald @11:13) on a partial breakaway would get a rebound and poke the puck past Bandits (starting) goaltender Josh Davies. Shots favored Brooks 11-9.
The Bandits would get a pair of special team goals to take a 3-1 lead. On the power play, Brooks would regain the lead. Derek Lodermeier (assists to Linden Springer and Cale Makar @15:08) on the rebound would get his second of the night. While shorthanded Jeff Malott (unassisted @18:17) stole the puck in the slot and wristed a shot high glove side on McDonald. Shots favored Brooks 15-6 in the second and 26-15 in the hockey game.
Both teams would find the back of the net in the third. Braeden Salverda (assists to Adam Wheeldon and TJ Brown @16:10) would get multiple chances before flipping his second of the night over Davies. Derek Lodermeier (assist to Kyler Nachtigall @19:58) completed the hat trick with an empty net goal from center ice. Shots favored the Kodiaks 15-5 in the third but were 31-30 Bandits overall.
Game four will be in Brooks on Tuesday night.
North Finals Game #3
Spruce Grove Saints @ Bonnyville Pontiacs (series tied 1-1)
Parker Mackay scored twice as the Saints defeated the Pontiacs 4-1.
Spruce Grove would outscore Bonnyville 2-1 in the opening frame. The Pontiacs would open the scoring on the power play. Erik Donald (assists to Dillan McCombie and Evan Warmington @1:49) redirected a centering pass behind Saints (starting) goaltender Brett Zarowny. Just 30 seconds after that Tyler Busch (assist to Riley Simpson @2:19) hammered a one-timer from the left faceoff circle over the glove of Pontiacs (starting) goaltender Troy Trombley. Paul Lovsin (assists to Cole Nicholson and Nicolas Correale @5:59) from the top of the left faceoff circle would slap a shot under Trombley. Shots were 17-8 Spruce Grove.
The Saints would add two more goals in the second. On the power play, Spruce Grove would go up 3-1. Parker Mackay (assists to Cole Nicholson and Colton Leiter @16:26) standing at the side of the net would tap the puck past a sprawling Trombley. Parker Mackay (assists to Tyler Busch and Riley Simpson @19:59) was left all alone in the slot and fired the puck over the glove of Trombley. Shots were 15-9 Spruce Grove in the second and 32-17 in the hockey game.
Neither team would be able to find the back of the net in the third. Shots were 10-5 Bonnyville in the period, however, were 37-27 Spruce Grove overall.
The Pontiacs will host the Saints in game four on Tuesday night.
Story by Chris Colwell
@Cjcolwell
March 28th, 2015
North and South finals continued Saturday night.
South Finals Game #2
Brooks Bandits @ Camrose Kodiaks (Kodiaks lead 1-0)
Devin McDonald stopped all 39 shots as the Kodiaks shutout the Bandits 4-0 to take a 2-0 series lead.
Camrose would get a pair of first period goals. The first goal of the game would come on the power play. Spencer Kryczka (assists to Jody Sick and Valik Chichkin @15:14) standing in front of the net would sweep the rebound behind Bandits (starting) goaltender Michael Fredrick. Nelson Gadoury (assists to Cole McBride and Ryker Leer @16:35) blasted a one-timer from the slot over the glove of Fredrick. Shots favored Brooks 16-11.
Camrose would get the lone goal in the second. Scott Ferguson (assist to Trevor Costello @1:35) took a stretch pass and on a partial breakaway would snap a shot glove side. Shots favored the Bandits 11-7 in the second and 27-18 in the hockey game.
Once again, the Kodiaks would get the lone goal in the third. Ryker Leer (assists to Cam Gotaas and Spencer Kryczka @0:37) picked up the loose puck and from the left faceoff circle would beat Fredrick. That would be the end of the night for the Bandits goaltender who would give up four goals on 19 shots. Josh Davies would stop all six shots in relief. Shots favored the Bandits 12-7 in the third and 39-25 overall.
The series shifts back to Brooks for Game three on Monday night.
North Finals Game #2
Bonnyville Pontiacs @ Spruce Grove Saints (Saints lead 1-0)
Troy Trombley would stop 33 of 35 shots as the Pontiacs doubled up the Saints 4-2 to even the series 1-1.
Bonnyville would outscore Spruce Grove 2-1 in the first. Parker Mackay (assists to Brandon Biro and Josh Harris @3:51) would catch Pontiacs (starting) goaltender Troy Trombley going the wrong way and would slip the puck into the open cage. Right off the face off Brinson Pasichnuk (assist to Ryan Symington @11:58) blasted a shorthanded goal five-hole on Saints (starting) goaltender Matthew Murray. The Pontiacs would get their first lead of the night on the power play. Mitch Fritz (assists to Brinson Pasichnuk @14:21) would get a partial breakaway and wrist a shot over the glove of Murray. Shots were 15-10 Saints.
Bonnyville would double their lead with the lone goal in the second. Kyler Hehn (assist to Dillan McCombie @19:51) would outwait Murray and slide the puck into the net. That would be the end of the night for Murray, who would give up three goals on 16 shots. Shots favored the Saints 12-6 in the second and 27-16 in the hockey game.
Both teams would turn on the red light in the third. The Saints would get within on one with a power play goal. Riley Simpson (assist to Jordan Thomas @3:54) from the left faceoff circle would wrist a shot five-hole on Trombley. Dillan McCombie (unassisted @19:03) would fire the puck into the open goal to make it 4-2. Shots favored the Saints 8-6 in the third and 35-22 overall.
Bonnyville will host Spruce Grove for game three on Monday night.
Story by Chris Colwell
@Cjcolwell
March 27th, 2015
The final four in the Gas Drive Cup playoffs opened up their series on Friday night.
South Finals Game #1
Brooks Bandits @ Camrose Kodiaks (Kodiaks won season series 5-1)
Nelson Gadoury scored once and added an assist as the Kodiaks took game one from the Bandits 4-1.
A strong start to the game would see the Kodiaks jump ahead 3-0 in the first. Ryker Leer (assists to Cole McBride and Nelson Gadoury @2:47) on a backdoor feed would tip the puck five-hole on Bandits (starting) goaltender Michael Fredrick. Nelson Gadoury (assist to Brett Njaa @5:50) on a breakaway wristed the puck over the glove of Fredrick. Cam Gotaas (assist to Adam deChamplain @8:52) at the side of the net would backhand a shot off the far post and into the net. Shots favored the Kodiaks 12-7.
Brooks would get the lone goal in the second on a power play. Shane Bear (assists to Chase Clayton and Austin Plevy @4:09) snapped a shot from the point that would get over the glove of Kodiaks (starting) goaltender Devin McDonald. Shots were 10-8 Bandits but favored Camrose 20-17 in the hockey game.
The Kodiaks would get the lone goal while shorthanded in the third. Scott Ferguson (unassisted @10:55) would go end to end and wristed a shot five-hole on Fredrick. Shots favored Brooks 10-7 in the third and were 27-27 overall.
Game two will be in Camrose on Saturday night.
North Finals Game #1
Bonnyville Pontiacs @ Spruce Grove Saints (Saints won season series 4-2)
Parker Mackay scored twice as the Saints defeated the Pontiacs 4-1 in game one.
Spruce Grove would outscore Bonnyville 2-1 in the first. Parker Mackay (assist to Jarid Hauptman @0:49) from the slot wristed a chance over the blocker of Pontiacs (starting) goaltender Troy Trombley. Riley Simpson (assists to Nicolas Correale and Isaac Farrah @7:59) on a three on two would one time a cross-ice pass behind Trombley. Bonnyville would get on the board with a power play goal. Braiden Doucette (assists to Steenn Pasichnuk and Brinson Pasichnuk @15:07) hammered a one-timer through Saints (starting) goaltender Matthew Murray. Shots were even 10-10.
Spruce Grove doubled their lead with the lone goal in the second. Parker Mackay (assist to Colton Leiter @11:14) would score his second of the night with a nifty little toe drag in front of Trombley and slid the puck into the open goal. Shots favored the Saints 12-7 in the second and 22-17 in the hockey game.
Spruce Grove would extend their lead with the lone goal in the third. Jarid Hauptman (assists to Connor James and Colton Leiter @16:25) would tip a centering pass over the glove of Trombley. Shots favored the Saints 11-7 in the third and 33-24 overall.
Spruce Grove will host Bonnyville in game two on Saturday night.
Story by Chris Colwell
@Cjcolwell
March 22nd, 2015
Once again two teams were looking to extend their season while two more were looking to move on to the North Finals.
North Semi-Finals Game #6
Spruce Grove Saints @ Sherwood Park Crusaders (Saints lead 3-2)
Parker Mackay scored a goal and added an assist as the Saints topped the Crusaders 3-1.
Spruce Grove would get the lone goal in the opening frame. Tristan Sieben (assists to Colton Leiter and Parker Mackay @12:22) on the rebound scooped the puck past Crusaders (starting) goaltender Tommy Nixon. Shots favored Sherwood Park 10-6.
The Crusaders would tie the game with a power play goal in the second. Dane Phaneuf (assists to Evan Bowden and Arthur Gordon @17:18) blasted a one-timer over the blocker of Saints (starting) goaltender Matthew Murray. Shots favored Spruce Grove 10-8 in the second but were 18-16 Crusaders in the hockey game.
Spruce Grove would score twice in the third to advance to the North Finals. The Saints would retake the lead on the power play. Carson Samoridny (assists to Brandon Biro and Josh Harris @7:30) wrist shot from the point would find a lane through traffic beating Nixon. Parker Mackay (assist to Macklin Pichonsky @19:53) from the happy side of center would put the puck into the empty net. Shots favored Spruce Grove 11-8 in the third and 27-26 overall.
The Saints will continue their quest for back to back Gas Drive titles while the Crusaders will get ready for next season.
North Semi-Finals Game #6
Lloydminster Bobcats @ Bonnyville Pontiacs (Pontiacs lead 3-2)
Dillan McCombie scored the winner early in overtime as the Pontiacs edged the Bobcats 2-1.
Lloydminster would get the lone goal on the power play in the first. Patrick Geary (assist to Alex Pernitsky @8:14) shot from the point would get through a maze of bodies beating Pontiacs (starting) goaltender Troy Trombley. Shots were 15-5 Pontiacs.
Bonnyville would get the lone goal in the second. Steenn Pasichnuk (assists to Ryan Symington and Mitch Fritz @15:29) on a breakaway would snap a shot off Bobcats (starting) goaltender Devin Green's glove and into the net. Shots favored the Pontiacs 16-5 in the second and 31-10 in the hockey game.
Neither team would score in the third. Shots favored Bonnyville 7-4 in the third and 38-14 after regulation.
Overtime wouldn't last long before the Pontiacs would win it. Dillan McCombie (assist to Evan Warmington @0:49) blasted a slap shot from the slot over the glove of Green. Shots favored Bonnyville 1-0 in overtime and 39-14 overall.
Bonnyville will take on Spruce Grove in the North Finals while Lloydminster will get set for next season.
Story by Chris Colwell
@Cjcolwell
March 20th, 2015
Two games were played on Friday in the Gas Drive Cup Playoffs with the Saints and Pontiacs looking to move on while the Bobcats and Crusaders were looking to keep their seasons alive.
North Semi-Finals Game #5
Sherwood Park Crusaders @ Spruce Grove Saints (Saints lead 3-1)
Tyler Maltby scored twice as the Crusaders doubled up the Saints 6-3.
Sherwood Park would outscore Spruce Grove 3-1. Cameron Brezinski (assists to Ryan Kruper and Tanner Laderoute @2:50) chopped the rebound past Saints (starting) goaltender Bret Zarowny. Lane Zablocki (assists to Brett Van Os and Evan Bowden @4:45) picked up the rebound and backhanded a shot past Zarowny. Spruce Grove would get within one on the power play. Josh Harris (assists to Carson Samoridny and Brandon Biro @10:48) on a scramble would shovel the puck past Crusaders (starting) goaltender Tommy Nixon. Tyler Maltby (assist to Arthur Gordon @19:04) would skate around the offensive zone and slip the puck past Zarowny. Shots favored the Saints 17-12.
The Crusaders would double their lead to 5-1 in the second. Daniel Wray (assist to Bryar Ortynski @14:30) would find the bouncing puck and chip the puck over the blocker of Zarowny. That would spell the end of the night for Zarowny, who would give up four goals on 16 shots. Tyler Maltby (assists to Chase Torontow and Brett Magee @19:24) bounced the puck off a Spruce Grove player and past (backup) goaltender Matthew Murray. Shots favored the Saints 10-6 in the second and 27-18 in the hockey game.
Spruce Grove would outscore Sherwood Park 2-1 in the third. Tyler Busch (assists to Riley Simpson and Parker Mackay @1:55) blasted a one-timer over the blocker of Nixon. Paul Lovsin (assist to Riley Simpson @12:28) capitalized on the rebound to get within two. Ryan Kruper (assist to Arthur Gordon @18:32) would put the game away with an empty net goal. Shots favored the Saints 7-3 in the third and 34-21 overall.
Game six will be in Sherwood Park on Sunday night.
Bonnyville Pontiacs @ Lloydminster Bobcats (Pontiacs lead 3-1)
Patrick Geary would score a goal and add an assist as the Bobcats defeated the Pontiacs 5-2.
The two teams would exchange goals in the first. Taylor Lotoski (assist to Jakob LaPointe @3:19) would stuff the loose puck under Pontiacs (starting) goaltender Troy Trombley. Bonnyville would answer on the power play. Mitch Fritz (assist to Brinson Pasichnuk @17:28) lifted the puck lacrosse style from behind the net over the blocker of Bobcats (starting) goaltender Devin Green. Shots were 12-7 Bobcats.
Lloydminster would get three goals in the second. On the power play, the Bobcats would retake the lead. Patrick Geary (assists to Alex Pernitsky and Allan MacPherson @6:52) blasted a one-timer five-hole on Trombley. Troy Van Tetering (assist to Patrick Geary @8:34) would one-time a shot low glove side on Trombley. A late power play goal would give Lloydminster a 4-1 lead. Evan Tschumi (assists to Kevin Darrar and Allan MacPherson @19:30) collected the puck and poked it into the goal. Shots favored Bonnyville 18-6 in the second and 25-18 in the hockey game.
The two teams would exchange third period goals. Taylor Mulder (assist to Chris Seto @7:34) put a shot between his feet, getting the puck past Trombley. Bobby McMann (assist to Steenn Pasichnuk @9:17) from his knees would steer the puck past Green. Shots favored the Pontiacs 11-8 in the third and 36-26 overall.
The Pontiacs will have another chance to move on when they host the Bobcats on Sunday night.
Story by Chris Colwell
@Cjcolwell
March 19th, 2015
Just one game in the AJHL's Gas Drive Cup Playoffs as the Camrose Kodiaks were looking to join the Brooks Bandits in the South Final while the Drumheller Dragons were looking to stay alive.
South Semi-Finals Game #5
Drumheller Dragons @ Camrose Kodiaks (Kodiaks lead 3-1)
Braden Salverda scored midway through double overtime as Camrose edged Drumheller 3-2.
The Kodiaks would get the lone goal in the first. Cole McBride (assists to Nelson Gadoury and TJ Brown @10:10) blasted a one-timer over the glove of Dragons (starting) goaltender Curtis Skip. Shots were even 11-11.
The Dragons would outscore the Kodiaks2-1 in the second to tie the game. Dakota Zaharichuk (assists to Connor Duncan and Mitchell Cook @0:27) broke in on the left side and would beat Kodiaks (starting) goaltender Devin McDonald low blocker side. The two teams would then exchange power play goals to finish off the second period scoring. Ryker Leer (assist to Brett Njaa @6:08) picked up the loose puck at the top of the crease and would slip the puck into the back of the net. Dakota Zaharichuk (assists to Marcus Messier and Clint Filbrandt @17:15) walked into a slap shot that beat McDonald over the glove. Shots favored Camrose 16-11 in the second and 27-22 in the hockey game.
Neither team would find the back of the net in the third and for the third time in the series it was off to overtime. Shots favored the Kodiaks 19-9 and 46-31 after regulation.
The first overtime had drama, but neither team would be declared the winner. Late in the first overtime it looked like Drumheller's Hunter Mills had scored the winner, however, the EnCana Arena lost power and the refs said no goal. Shots were even 14-14 in the first overtime and favored the Kodiaks 60-45 after four periods.
Halfway through double overtime Camrose would get the winner. Braeden Salverda (assist to Scott Ferguson @7:54) picked up the loose puck and shoveled it into the back of the net. Shots favored the Kodiaks 5-4 in double overtime and 65-49 overall.
The Kodiaks will host the Brooks Bandits in game one of the South Finals while the Drumheller Dragons will wait until September to play again.
Story by Chris Colwell
@Cjcolwell
March 18th, 2015
Just one game in the Gas Drive Cup Playoffs as the Okotoks Oilers looked to stay alive while the Brooks Bandits were looking to become the first team to advance to round three.
South Semi-Finals Game #4
Brooks Bandits @ Okotoks Oilers (Bandits lead 3-0)
Chase Clayton scored twice and added an assist as the Bandits shutout the Oilers 8-0.
Brooks would come out strong and take a 5-0 lead after one. Chase Clayton (assists to Jared Cockrell and Linden Springer @1:02) from the right faceoff circle snapped a shot over the glove of Nic Renyard. Just 22 seconds later Nick Prkusic (assist to Jeff Malott @1:24) jammed away at the loose puck and stuffed it past Renyard. Jared Cockrell (assists to Austin Plevy and Chase Clayton @3:37) broke in one on one and beat Renyard blocker side from the top of the slot. Shane Bear (assists to Austin Plevy and Derek Lodermeier @8:43) from the point would bounce the puck off an Oiler player and over the shoulder of Renyard. Jesse Baird (unassisted @17:19) on a partial breakaway would snap a wrist shot past Oilers (backup) goaltender Riley Moris. Shots favored Okotoks 11-9.
Brooks would get the lone goal in the second. Chase Clayton (assist to Jared Cockrell @17:56) finished off a two on one beating Renyard over the blocker. Shots were 10-4 Bandits in the second and 19-15 in the hockey game.
Brooks would add two more goals in the second. Brooks would go up 7-0 on the power play. Linden Springer (assists to Shane Bear and Austin Plevy @9:09) from the bottom of the right faceoff circle wristed a chance short side on Renyard. Kyler Nachtigall (unassisted @15:37) off a turnover would make no mistake going top shelf on Renyard. Shots were 11-3 Bandits in the third and 30-18 overall.
Brooks has advanced to the South Finals while the Okotoks Oilers will look forward to next season.
Story by Chris Colwell
@Cjcolwell
March 17th, 2015
Three games in the Gas Drive Cup Playoffs on St. Patrick's Day.
South Semi-Finals Game #4
Camrose Kodiaks @ Drumheller Dragons (Kodiaks lead 2-1)
Cam Gotaas had a goal and an assist as the Kodiaks defeated the Dragons 3-1 to take a 3-1 series lead.
Neither team would find the back of the net in the first. Shots favored Drumheller 10-6.
The Kodiaks were able to outscore the Dragons 2-1 in the second. While shorthanded Scott Ferguson (unassisted @12:25) broke in on the left side and wired a shot over Dragons (starting) goaltender Jonny Hogue. Wyatt Noskey (assists to Hunter Mills and Jacob Schofield @15:32) cleaned up the rebound flipping the puck past Kodiaks (starting) goaltender Devin McDonald. Braeden Salverda (assists to Brett Njaa and Cam Gotaas @19:45) was able to poke the loose puck past Hogue. Shots were 10-9 Camrose in the second but were 19-16 Drumheller in the hockey game.
Camrose would get the lone goal in the third. Right off the faceoff Cam Gotaas (unassisted @6:56) stole the puck at the side of the net and beat Hogue five-hole. Shots favored Drumheller 7-6 in the third 26-22 overall.
Game five will be in Camrose on Thursday March 19th.
North Semi-Finals Game #4
Spruce Grove Saints @ Sherwood Park Crusaders (Saints lead 3-0)
Bryar Ortynski scored once and added an assist as the Crusaders edged the Saints 3-2 to stay alive.
Both teams would find the back of the net in the opening frame. Tanner Laderoute (unassisted @3:28) stole the puck off the stick of Saints (starting) goaltender Brett Zarowny and put the puck into the wide open goal. Right off the faceoff Lukas Biensch (assists to Travis McEvoy and Conner Lukan @12:31) swept the rebound past Crusaders (starting) goaltender Tommy Nixon. Shots favored Spruce Grove 8-5.
No goals in the second and the score remained tied 1-1 after two. Shots were 9-3 Saints in the period and 17-8 in the hockey game.
The Crusaders would outscore the Saints 2-1 in the third to keep their season alive. Sherwood Park would regain the lead on the power play. Bryar Ortynski (assist to Tyler Maltby @12:06) knocked the puck into the back of the goal on the rebound. With the net empty Brett Van Os (assist to Bryar Ortynski @18:51) would give the Crusaders some insurance by flipping the puck into the open goal. Just 54 seconds after that Brandon Biro (assist to Jordan Thomas @19:45) redirected a shot from the point that would beat Nixon. Shots favored Spruce Grove 13-10 in the third and 30-18 overall.
Game five will be in Spruce Grove on Friday March 20th.
North Semi-Finals Game #4
Lloydminster Bobcats @ Bonnyville Pontiacs (Pontiacs lead 2-1)
Alden Dupuis scored twice as the Pontiacs edged the Bobcats 4-3 in overtime.
Lloydminster held a 2-1 lead on Bonnyville after one. Brett Everson (assists to Kevin Darrar and Evan Tschumi @3:32) from the top of the slot would wrist a shot blocker side on Pontiacs (starting) goaltender Troy Trombley. Bonnyville would tie the game on the power play. Bobby McMann (assists to Steenn Pasichnuk and Brinson Pasichnuk @9:03) would drive to the net and flick the puck through Bobcats (starting) goaltender Devin Green. Just over a minute later Taylor Mulder (assists to Chris Seto and Taylor Allan @10:06) would turn and fire the puck into the back of the net. Shots favored the Pontiacs 7-5.
The Pontiacs would get the lone goal in the second to tie the game 2-2. Alden Dupuis (assists to Cody Fiala and Steenn Pasichnuk @10:06) redirected a point shot over the shoulder of Green. Shots were 11-9 Lloydminster in the second and 16-16 in the hockey game.
Both teams would find the back of the net in the third. The Bobcats would retake the lead on the power play. Cole Josefchak (assists to Allan MacPherson and Kevin Darrar @4:48) blasted a one-timer from the left faceoff circle short side on Trombley. Aldin Dupuis (assists to Brinson Pasichnuk and Bobby McMann @16:39) scored his second of the night on a deflection in front of Green. Shots favored Bonnyville 8-7 in the third and 24-23 after regulation.
Bonnyville would win the game early in overtime. Kyler Hehn (assist to Evan Warmington @5:57) walked to the front of the net and would out wait Green and slide the puck into the net. Shots favored the Pontiacs 4-1 in overtime and 28-24 overall.
The series will shift back to Lloydminster on Friday March 20th.
March 16th, 2015
Four teams were looking to take a strangle hold leads in their best of seven Semi-Final series on Monday.
South Semi-Finals Game #4
Brooks Bandits @ Okotoks Oilers (Bandits lead 2-0)
Chase Clayton scored twice and added an assist as the Bandits edged the Oilers 4-3.
The Oilers would jump out to a 3-1 lead in the first. Rhett Gardner (assists to Darian Henry and Eric Krienke @4:08) from the left faceoff circle would bounce the puck off the arm of Bandits (starting) goaltender Josh Davies. The Bandits would tie the game on the power play. Chase Clayton (assists to Shane Bear and Jared Cockrell @10:14) shot from the point would beat a screened Oilers (starting) goaltender Nic Renyard. Eric Krienke (assist to Cole Dunphy @12:13) would weave his way to the Bandits net and tap the puck five-hole on Davies. Okotoks would double their lead on the power play. Darian Henry (assists to Carson Beers and Matt McNair @16:39) point shot would bounce a couple of bodies in front of the net and past Davies. That would be the end of the night for Davies, who would give up three goals on nine shots. Shots favored Brooks 13-9.
The Bandits would get the lone goal in the second on the power play. Linden Springer (assists to Chase Clayton and Austin Plevy @13:13) wrist shot from the point would beat Renyard over the shoulder. Shots favored Okotoks 13-8 in the second and 22-21 in the hockey game.
The Bandits would get a pair of goals in the third to pick up the come from behind victory. Right off the faceoff Alex Roberts (assist to Madison Dunn @7:06) wristed a chance short side that found a way behind Renyard. Brooks would get their first lead of the night on the power play. Chase Clayton (assist to Austin Plevy @12:32) finished off a backdoor feed tapping the puck behind Renyard. Shots favored the Oilers 11-6 in the third and 33-27 overall.
Game four will be back in Okotoks on Wednesday March 18th.
Camrose Kodiaks @ Drumheller Dragons (Kodiaks lead 2-0)
Jonny Hogue made 27 saves as the Dragons edged the Kodiaks 3-2 in overtime.
Neither team would be able to find the back of the net in the first. Shots favored the Kodiaks 10-5.
The two teams would combine for three power play goals with the Kodiaks holding a 2-1 lead. Cole McBride (assists to Ryker Leer and Nelson Gadoury @0:11) finished off a three on two beating Dragons (starting) goaltender Jonny Hogue under the arm. Tristan Thompson (assists to Marcus Messier and Ryan Jevne @4:59) wristed a shot from the point just over the blocker of Kodiaks (starting) goaltender Devin McDonald. Cole McBride (assist to Dallas Bergstrom @6:56) would get his second of the night from the right faceoff circle. Shots favored Camrose 15-5 in the second and 25-10 in the hockey game.
The Dragons would tie the game late in the third. Off the faceoff win, Ryan Suchorab (assists to Dakota Zaharichuk and Marcus Messier @16:01) snapped a shot from the point that would trickle through McDonald. Shots were 10-4 Drumheller in the third and but were 29-20 Kodiaks after regulation.
The Dragons would win the game early in overtime. Keaton Holinaty (unassisted @2:49) on a goal mouth scramble would shovel the puck into the net. Shots favored Drumheller 3-0 in overtime but were 29-23 Kodiaks overall.
The Dragons will host game four against the Kodiaks on Tuesday March 17th.
North Semi-Finals Game #4
Spruce Grove Saints @ Sherwood Park Crusaders (Saints lead 2-0)
Parker Mackay scored twice and added an assist as the Saints defeated the Crusaders 6-2.
For a third straight game, the Saints would have a strong first frame taking a 4-0 lead. Travis McEvoy (assists to Macklin Pichonsky and Tyler Busch @2:44) was able to find the loose puck and sweep it past Crusaders (starting) goaltender Tommy Nixon. Spruce Grove would double their lead on the power play. Brandon Biro (assist to Parker Mackay @7:44) from behind the net would cut in front and backhand a chance blocker side on Nixon. Parker Mackay (assists to Connor James and Josh Harris @10:53) standing at the side of the net would redirect a shot behind Nixon. The Saints would finish off the scoring in the first on the power play. Carson Samoridny (assist to Jarid Hauptman @16:36) hammered a one-timer over the shoulder of Nixon. Shots were 13-2 in favor of the Saints.
Sherwood Park would get the lone goal in the second. Reid Bosse (assist to Cameron Brezinski @5:34) standing at the side of the net tipped the puck past Saints (starting) goaltender Brett Zarowny. The Crusaders held a 9-6 edge in the shots in the second but were down 19-11 to the Saints in the hockey game.
Spruce Grove would outscore Sherwood Park 2-1 in the third to secure a 3-0 series lead. On the power play, the Crusaders would get within two. With the puck sitting at the top of the crease Ryan Kruper (assists to Arthur Gordon and Chase Torontow @4:37) would gather the puck and stuff it into the net. Nicolas Correale (assists to Paul Lovsin and Jarid Hauptman @11:22) would poke the puck in after Nixon made the initial save on a shot from the point. Just 18 seconds after that Parker Mackay (assists Josh Harris and Jordan Thomas @11:40) would get two whacks at the puck before finding the back of the net for his second of the night. Shots favored the Saints 17-6 in the third and 36-17 overall.
Spruce Grove will be in Sherwood Park for game four on Tuesday March 17th.
Lloydminster Bobcats @ Bonnyville Pontiacs (Pontiacs lead 2-0)
Devin Green made 31 saves as the Bobcats edged the Pontiacs 3-2.
Neither team would find the back of the net in the opening frame. Shots were 9-8 Lloydminster.
The two teams would exchange second period goals. Mitch Fritz (assists to Evan Warmington and Dillan McCombie @14:28) on the rebound would beat Bobcats (starting) goaltender Devin Green. Patrick Geary (assists to Troy Van Tetering and Jakob LaPointe @18:38) pounced on the rebound and hammered the puck past Pontiacs (starting) goaltender Troy Trombley. Shots favored Bonnyville 14-9 in the second and 22-18 in the hockey game.
Lloydminster would score twice in the final half of the third to earn a 3-2 victory and their first win of the series. Dillan McCombie (unassisted @1:34) off a turnover would get a partial breakaway and beat Green short side. The Bobcats would tie the game on the power play. Evan Tschumi (assist to Kevin Darrar @10:21) shot deflected off a Bonnyville player and past Trombley. Kevin Darrar (assist to Brett Everson @18:00) held the puck on a two on one and snapped a shot short side on Trombley. Shots were even 11-11 in the third but were 33-29 Pontiacs overall.
The Pontiacs and Bobcats will meet up on Tuesday March 17th in Bonnyville.
Story by Chris Colwell
@Cjcolwell
March 14th, 2015
All eight teams were back in action as round two continued Saturday night.
South Semi-Finals Game #2
Okotoks Oilers @ Brooks Bandits (Bandits lead 1-0)
Mark Logan and Linden Springer each scored twice and added an assist as the Bandits topped the Oilers 6-2.
Brooks would outscore Okotoks 4-1 in the opening frame. Connor Chambers (assist to Mitch Collett @1:23) snapped a shot from the left point that would beat Bandits (starting) goaltender Josh Davies. Austin Plevy (assist to Linden Springer @2:54) had the puck deflect off his hip and past Oilers (starting) goaltender Nic Renyard. Linden Springer (assist to Derek Lodermeier @5:58) driving down the left side and snapped a shot five-hole on Renyard. Mark Logan (assists to Nick Prkusic and Chase Clayton @16:26) hammered a one-timer from the top of the slot to make it 3-1 Bandits. While shorthanded Jeff Mallot (assist to Mark Logan @18:28) would get free and on a breakaway, beat Renyard blocker side. Shots favored Okotoks 11-10.
Neither team would be able to score in the second. Shots favored Brooks 18-6 in the second and 28-17 in the hockey game.
The Bandits would outscore the Oilers 2-1 in the third to earn a 6-2 victory. Brooks would add to their lead on the power play. Linden Springer (assists to Alex Roberts and Derek Lodermeier @1:57) on the rebound would chip the puck over Renyard for his second of the night. Just 43 seconds after that Mark Logan (assists to Madison Dunn and Kyle Star @2:40) would pick the inside post to make it 6-1. That would be the end of the night for Renyard, who would give up six goals on 32 shots. Okotoks would finish off the scoring on the power play. Matt McNair (assists to Connor Chambers and Rhett Gardner @7:13) from the right faceoff circle would wrist a shot past Davies. Shots favored Brooks 13-7 in the third and 41-24 overall.
The series will shift to Okotoks for game three on Monday March 16th.
South Semi-Finals Game #2
Drumheller Dragons @ Camrose Kodiaks (Kodiaks lead 1-0)
Nelson Gadoury scored once and added an assist as the Kodiaks shutout the Dragons 2-0.
Neither team would be able to put the puck in the back of the net. Shots favored Drumheller 9-8.
Camrose would get the lone goal in the second. Jody Sick (assists to Nelson Gadoury and Dallas Bergstrom @16:54) wristed the puck blocker side on Dragons (starting) goaltender Curtis Skip from the left faceoff circle. Shots favored the Kodiaks 13-11 in the second and 21-20 in the hockey game.
The Kodiaks would double their lead in the third. Nelson Gadoury (assists to Trevor Costello and Cam Gotaas @6:49) from the right faceoff circle would put the perfect shot 18 inches off the ice beating Skip. Shots favored the Dragons 9-8 in the period and were even 29-29 overall.
Camrose and the Dragons will meet up Monday March 16th in Drumheller for game three.
North Semi-Finals Game #2
Sherwood Park Crusaders @ Spruce Grove Saints (Saints lead 1-0)
Brando Biro scored twice and added an assist as the Saints topped the Crusaders 9-1.
Spruce Grove jumped out to a 5-0 lead in the first for the second straight game. Parker Mackay (assist to Josh Harris @6:49) driving down the right side snapped a shot over the glove of Crusaders (starting) goaltender Zac Klassen. Cole Nicholson (assist to Josh Harris @10:30) with a bomb from the point would give the Saints a 2-0 lead. On the power play, Spruce Grove would go up 3-0. Brandon Biro (assists to Nicolas Correale and Carson Samoridny @13:19) finished off a backdoor feed tapping the puck into the goal. Brandon Biro (assists to Parker Mackay and Cole Nicholson @19:03) riffled his second of the night blocker side on Klassen. Just 40 seconds later Carson Samoridny (assists to Travis McEvoy and Austin Hunter @19:43) on a partial two on one wristed a shot short side on Klassen. That would be the end of the night for Klassen, who would give up five goals on 12 shots. Shots favored the Saints 12-5.
Both teams would find the back of the net in the second. The Saints went up 6-0 on the power play. Jordan Thomas (assist to Austin Hunter @5:12) was the trailer on the play and made no mistake on a drop pass beating Crusaders (backup) goaltender Tommy Nixon. Tyler Maltby (assist to Stephen Shmoorkoff @12:03) on the rebound would poke the puck past Saints (starting) goaltender Brett Zarowny. Shots favored Spruce Grove 10-9 in the second and 22-14 in the hockey game.
The Saints would put up three more goals in the third. On the power play, Spruce Grove would restore their six goal lead. Nicolas Correale (assists to Brandon Biro and Carson Samoridny @0:21) blasted a chance into the back of the net with a one-timer. A mere 53 seconds after that Lukas Biensch (assist Tyler Busch @1:14) would bury the puck on a goal mouth scramble. The Saints would cap off the scoring on the power play. Riley Simpson (assist to Travis McEvoy @14:18) would freeze Nixon and beat him over the shoulder. Shots favored Spruce Grove 12-4 in the third and 34-18 overall.
Sherwood Park will host Spruce Grove on Monday March 16th for game three.
North Semi-Finals Game #2
Bonnyville Pontiacs @ Lloydminster Bobcats (Pontiacs lead 1-0)
Braiden Doucette scored once and added an assist as the Pontiacs defeated the Bobcats 4-1.
Bonnyville scored twice in the opening period. Ryan Symington (unassisted @7:06) took advantage of strange bounce off the end boards beating Bobcats (starting) goaltender Devin Green. On the power play, the Pontiacs would add to their lead. Bobby McMann (assists to Evan Warmington and Braiden Doucette @12:07) on the rebound would shovel the puck into the back of the net. Shots favored Bonnyville 10-3.
The Pontiacs would get the lone goal on the power play in the second. Braiden Doucette (assist to Cody Fiala @1:14) hammered the puck from the point blocker side. Shots favored Bonnyville 13-6 in the second and 23-9 in the hockey game.
The two teams would exchange power play goals in the third. Kyler Hehn (assist to Ryan Black @9:47) from the right point would wrist the puck five-hole on Green. Zac Giroux (assists to Shane Switzer and Austin Yaremchuk @19:03) redirected the puck over the blocker of Pontiacs (starting) goaltender Troy Trombley. Shots favored Bonnyville 11-7 in the third and 34-16 overall.
Game three of the series will be in Bonnyville when the Pontiacs host the Bobcats on Monday March 16th.
Story by Chris Colwell
@Cjcolwell
March 13, 2015
Round two opened up on Friday night with all eight remaining teams in action.
Okotoks Oilers @ Brooks Bandits (Bandits won season series 6-0)
South Semi-Finals Game #1 (series tied 0-0)
Austin Plevy scored once and added two assists as the Bandits defeated the Oilers 5-1.
The Bandits would get the lone goal on the power play in the first. Derek Lodermeier (assists to Kyler Nachtigall and Austin Plevy @17:31) redirected a backdoor feed past the pad of Oilers (starting) goaltender Nic Renyard. Shots favored Brooks 9-7.
The Bandits doubled their lead to two goals in the second by outscoring the Oilers 2-1. The Brooks power play was back at it early in the second. Cale Makar (assists to Derek Lodermeier and Alex Roberts @2:05) from the top of the left faceoff circle wristed a shot past Renyard. Chase Clayton (assist to Austin Plevy @8:32) weaved his way to the Okotoks net going left to right and shoveling the puck behind Renyard. Okotoks would get on the board with a power play goal. Tanner Ockey (assists to Eric Krienke and Carson Beers @11:41) collected the loose puck in front of the net and beat Bandits (starting) goaltender Josh Davies. Shots favored Brooks 12-8 in the second and 21-15 in the hockey game.
The Bandits put up two more goals to earn a 5-1 victory over the Oilers. Austin Plevy (assist to Linden Springer @10:55) would go end to end and backhand the puck past Renyard. Madison Dunn (assists to Nick Prkusic and Kyler Nachtigall @19:21) redirected a centering pass over the glove hand of Renyard.
Game two between the two teams will be on Saturday night in Brooks.
Drumheller Dragons @ Camrose Kodiaks (Kodiaks won season series 6-0)
South Semi-Finals Game #1 (series tied 0-0)
Nelson Gadoury scored twice as the Kodiaks edged the Dragons 5-4 in overtime.
The two teams would exchange two goals each in the first. Marcus Messier (assists to Hunter Mills and Ryan Suchorab @5:33) on a breakaway would go forehand to backhand beating Kodiaks (starting) goaltender Devin McDonald. Cole McBride (assists to Jack Thomas and Ryker Leer @9:33) pounced on a rebound and shoveled the puck past Dragons (starting) goaltender Curtis Skip. Wyatt Noskey (assist to Mitchell Cook @10:36) walked in front and snapped a shot five-hole on McDonald. The Kodiaks tied the game on the power play. Brett Njaa (assists to Braeden Salverda and TJ Brown @14:12) redirected a centering pass five-hol