Tonight in the AJHL – Game Night Wrap Up (January)

January 31st, 2015

The final day of January would see 12 teams hit the ice in the AJHL with plenty of playoff implications.

Camrose Kodiaks (38-7-3) @ Brooks Bandits (35-12-1)
(Season series Kodiaks lead 4-0) (Streaks: Kodiaks won 6, Bandits lost 2)
Adam Baughman scored twice as the Bandits defeated the Kodiaks 6-1.
The Bandits would get a pair of power play goals in the first. Mark Logan (assist to Kyle Star @3:11) would poke the puck five-hole on Kodiaks starting goaltender Devin McDonald. Adam Baughman (assist to Linden Springer @8:39) blasted a shot from the point that beat McDonald five-hole. Shots favored the Bandits 12-4.
The Bandits would get four second period goals to add to their lead. Anthony Paskaruk (assist to Charlie Marchand @0:07) took a stretch pass and blasted a shot over the blocker of McDonald. Linden Springer (assists to Mark Logan and Chase Clayton @5:04) would go coast to coast and slide the puck past an outstretched McDonald. Just 28 seconds later Adam Baughman (assists to Kyle Star and Derek Lodermeier @5:32) would get his second of the night sliding the puck into the net from the top of the crease. Jared Cockrell (assists to Derek Lodermeier and Chase Clayton @7:49) from the top of the slot would wrist a shot from the slot past McDonald. That would be the end of the night for Devin McDonald after giving up six goals on 23 shots. Shots favored the Bandits 15-9 in the second and 27-13 in the hockey game.
The Kodiaks would get the lone goal in the third. Dallas Bergstrom (assists to Danton Davis and Landon Pilger @8:46) from the right point would hammer a slap shot over the shoulder of Bandits (starting) goaltender Michael Fredrick. Shots favored the Kodiaks 11-10 in the third but favored the Bandits 37-24 overall.
The Kodiaks will be in Calgary on February 4th to take on the Canucks. The Bandits will be in Calgary February 3rd to take on the Mustangs.

Okotoks Oilers (29-14-5) @ Canmore Eagles (22-25-1)
(Season series Oilers lead 4-1) (Streaks: Oilers won 1, Eagles lost 2)
Mitch Collett scored once and added an assist as the Oilers edged the Eagles 3-2 in overtime.
The Oilers would get the lone goal in the first on the power play. Tanner Ockey (assist to Connor Chambers @18:53) on a breakaway would fire the puck over the glove of Eagles (starting) goaltender Ryan Ferguson.
The Eagles and Oilers would combine for three power play goals in the second. Ryley Risling (assists to Griffin Mumby and Connor Wilson @4:58) on a scramble in front of the net would poke the puck past Oilers (starting) goaltender Nic Renyard. Connor Wilson (assists to Brett Schimmel and Lane Olson @6:54) from the top of the slot would snipe a shot over the blocker of Renyard. Mitch Collett (assists to Carson Beers and Kyle Krabben @18:53) tipped the shot from the point that would get through Ferguson. Shots favored the Eagles 15-9 in the period and 25-21 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 Eagles 11-7 in the period and 36-28 after regulation.
Overtime would only last 58 seconds before the Oilers would score on the power play. Rhett Gardner (assists to Darian Henry and Mitch Collett @0:43) from the left faceoff circle would wrist a shot over the glove of Ferguson. Shots favored the Oilers 1-0 in overtime, but the Eagles would outshoot the Oilers 36-29 overall.
The Oilers will host Olds on February 3rd while the Eagles will be in Bonnyville on February 6th.

Drumheller Dragons (27-15-5) @ Olds Grizzlys (21-21-6)
(Season series Grizzlys lead 3-2) (Streaks: Dragons won 3, Grizzlys lost 1)
Colton Sheen scored twice as the Grizzlys topped the Dragons 5-3.
Both teams would get goals in the first. Logan Kerner (assist to Cale Brown @12:17) would drive to the front of the net and slide the puck past Dragons (starting) goaltender Jonny Hogue. Ryan Jevne (unassisted @14:44) took a cross crease pass and slid the puck behind Grizzlys (starting) goaltender Jesse Gordichuk. Shots favored the Dragons 16-6.
Once again, both teams would exchange goals in the middle frame. Jade McMullen (assist to Christopher Gerrie @0:32) from the slot would put a quick shot over the glove of Hogue. While shorthanded the Dragons would tie the game. Connor Boyd (assist to Brody Valette @10:05) down the left wing would fire the puck over the glove of Gordichuk. Shots favored the Grizzlys 13-6 in the second, but the Dragons held the shot edge 22-19 in the hockey game.
The Grizzlys would outscore the Dragons 3-1 third to earn a 5-3 victory. Colton Sheen (assists to Kodi Schwarz and BJ Duffin @6:27) redirected a shot towards the net, and it trickled into the goal. The Grizzlys would add to their lead on the power play. Tyrell Mappin (assists to Kodi Schwarz and Christopher Gerrie @10:02) would redirect a cross ice pass into the back of the net. The Dragons would get that goal back on the power play. Mitchell Cook (unassisted @14:14) would poke away at the puck in the front of the net and stuff the puck past Gordichuk. Late in the third the Grizzlys would get a power play goal to make it 5-2. Colton Sheen (assists to Austin Kernahan and Jack Goranson @18:02) would find the loose puck in front of the net and jam his second of the night into the back of the net. Shots favored the Grizzlys 10-6 in the third and 29-28 overall.
The Dragons will host Okotoks on February 6th while the Grizzlys will be in Okotoks on February 3rd.

Fort McMurray Oil Barons (26-19-4) @ Sherwood Park Crusaders (23-21-7)
(Season series Oil Barons lead 3-2) (Streaks: Oil Barons lost 2, Crusaders 2-0-2)
Zac Klassen made 38 saves as the Crusaders shutout the Oil Barons 5-0.
Neither team would be able to find the back of the net in the first. Shots favored the Crusaders 13-6.
The Crusaders would get two goals in the middle frame. Reid Bosse (unassisted @0:39) wristed a shot over the shoulder of Oil Barons (starting) goaltender Brett Lewchuk. Ryan Kruper (assists to Stephen Shmoorkoff and Tyler Maltby @10:34) redirected a centering pass five-hole on Lewchuk to make it 2-0. Shots favored the Oil Barons 13-10 in the period but favored the Crusaders 23-19 in the hockey game.
The Crusaders would add three more goals to earn a 5-0 victory. Right off the faceoff Cole Gamer (assists to Reid Bosse and Tanner Laderoute @11:22) would pick up the puck and fired a quick shot into the back of the net.  Tyler Maltby (assists to Arthur Gordon and Dane Phaneuf @17:57) flicked a shot over the shoulder of Lewchuk from the right faceoff circle. On the power play, the Crusaders would add to their lead. Dane Phaneuf (assist to Chase Torontow @19:26) blasted a one-timer from the point past Lewchuk.  Shots favored the Crusaders 19-3 in the third and 42-22 overall.
The Oil Barons will be in Drayton Valley on February 1st while the Crusaders will host Drayton Valley on February 4th.

Grande Prairie Storm (15-29-5) @ Spruce Grove Saints (41-6-3)
(Season series Saints lead 3-0) (Streaks: Storm 2-0-3, Saints won 15)
Nicolas Correale and Parker Mackay would each score twice as the Saints topped the Storm 4-1.
Both teams would find the back of the net in the opening frame. Parker Mackay (assist to Josh Harris @2:55) pounced on a rebound and swept the puck past Storm (starting) goaltender Logan Thompson. On the power play, the Storm would tie the game. Josh Zablocki (assists Jared Toole and Karl El-Mir @17:22) was standing at the top of the crease and swept the puck past Saints (starting) goaltender Mathew Murray. Shots favored the Saints 17-6.
The Saints would score twice in the second to take a 3-1 lead. Nicolas Correale (unassisted @2:58) from the top of the slot would wrist a shot five-hole on Thompson. Parker Mackay (assists to Josh Harris and Brandon Biro @6:39) would get his second of the night sweeping a backhand past Thompson. Shots favored the Saints 14-5 in the second and 31-11 in the hockey game.
The Saints would add to their lead late in the third. Nicolas Correale (assists to Colton Leiter and Josh Harris @17:02) would score his second of the night picking the short side on Thompson from the left faceoff circle. Shots favored the Saints 15-5 in the third and 46-16 overall.
The Storm and Saints will play each other February 6th and 7th in Grande Prairie.

Calgary Canucks (15-27-6) @ Drayton Valley Thunder (14-22-10)
(Season series Canucks lead 1-0) (Streaks: Canucks lost 4, Thunder lost 1)
Matt Benko and Brodie Clowes each had a goal and two assists as the Thunder defeated the Canucks 8-2.
The Thunder would get four goals in the first three on the power play. The Thunder would get their first three goals on the power play. Matt Benko (assists to Brodie Clowes and Brayden Harris @6:10) blasted a shot from the right point that would sneak past Canucks (starting) goaltender Malcolm Walilko. Jamie Waddington (assists to Mat Benko and Brodie Clowes @13:25) would clean up the rebound sliding the puck behind Walilko. Just 37 seconds later Trevor Poirier (assist to Brett Smythe @14:02) would rifle a shot from the right faceoff circle over the glove of Walilko. Matt McNeil (assist to Noah Kieser @19:20) from a sharp angle would beat Canucks (backup) goaltender Colin Cooper. Shots favored the Thunder 21-13 in the first.
The Thunder would add to their lead with two goals in the second. Robert Cain (unassisted @1:56) would intercept a pass and drive to the net and fire a shot past Walilko. Noah Kieser (assists to Robert Cain and Liam Gregor @15:55) would rip a one-timer past the blocker of Walilko. Shots favored the Thunder 15-10 in the second and 36-23 in the hockey game.
Both teams would get a pair of goals in the third. Josh Betinol (assists to Nolan Carothers and Matteo Milroy @4:40) would tap the puck five-hole on Thunder (starting) goaltender Marc-Olivier Daigle. The Thunder would get that goal back on the power play.  Brodie Clowes (assists to Matt Benko and Brett Smythe @7:35) from the top of the slot would wire a shot past Walilko. Jordan Taupert (assist to Jason Miller @8:41) would backhand a shot over the blocker of Walilko. Chandler Irvin (assists to Brendon Benson and Trent Geiger @12:02) would walk into a slap shot that beat Daigle over the shoulder. Shots favored the Thunder 12-8 in the third and 48-31 overall.
The Canucks will host Camrose on February 4th while Drayton Valley will host Fort McMurray on February 1st.

Whitecourt Wolverines (19-22-6) @ Bonnyville Pontiacs (22-19-7)
(Season series tied 2-2) (Streaks: Wolverines won 2, Pontiacs 2-0-1)
Mitch Fritz scored once and added an assist as the Pontiacs defeated the Wolverines 3-1.
Whitecourt would get the lone goal in the first. Dylan Thudium (assist to Ben Fonteyne @11:11) would collect the rebound and fire the puck behind Pontiacs (starting) goaltender Troy Trombley. Shots favored the Wolverines 12-10.
The Pontiacs would get the lone goal in the middle frame to tie the game. Gen Bryshun (assist to Ryan Symington and Mitch Fritz @5:33) from the point would fire a shot over the glove of Wolverines (starting) goaltender Jared Rathjen. Shots favored the Wolverines 12-10 in the second and 24-20 in the hockey game.
The Pontiacs would get two goals in the third to earn a 3-1 victory. On the power play, the Pontiacs would take the lead. Mitch Fritz (assists to Kyler Hehn and Evan Warmington @12:25) would flick the puck over the shoulder of Rathjen to make it 2-1. Bobby McMann (assist to Alden Dupuis @19:56) while being hauled down would slip the puck into the empty net.
Whitecourt will host Lloydminster on February 4th while Bonnyville will host Lloydminster on February 2nd.

Story by Chris Colwell
@Cjcolwell


January 30th, 2015

The weekend opens up with six games in the AJHL on Friday night.

Camrose Kodiaks (37-7-3) @ Brooks Bandits (35-11-1)
(Season series Kodiaks lead 3-0) (Streaks: Kodiaks won 5, Bandits lost 1)
Devin McDonald stopped 30 of 31 shots as the Kodiaks defeated the Bandits 6-1.
The Kodiaks would take a 2-1 lead after one with all three goals being scored by the special teams. The Bandits would open the scoring on the power play. Derek Lodermeier (assists to Anthony Paskaruk and Shane Bear @8:18) took a cross ice pass and wired the puck past Kodiaks (starting) goaltender Devin McDonald. The Kodiaks would score the next two goals while shorthanded. Ryker Leer (assist to Nelson Gadoury @9:32) would finish off a two on one beating Bandits (starting) goaltender Josh Davies. Brett Njaa (unassisted @14:37) would pick up the loose puck and on a breakaway sneak the puck past Davies. Shots favored the Bandits 15-9.
The Kodiaks would add two more goals to extend their lead in the second. Braeden Salverda (unassisted @5:10) on a breakaway would slide the puck five-hole on Davies. The Kodiaks would then score their third shorthanded goal of the game. Adam Wheeldon (assist to Scott Ferguson @8:22) would finish off a two on one snapping a shot over the blocker of Davies. That would be the end of the night for Josh Davies, who would give up four goals on 16 shots. Shots favored the Kodiaks 11-8 in the period but favored the Bandits 23-20 in the hockey game.
The Kodiaks would get two more goals in the third to earn a 6-1 victory. Cam Gotaas (assist to Danton Davis @14:09) blasted a shot from the slot past Bandits (backup) goaltender Michael Fredrick. Scott Ferguson (assists to Valik Chichkin and Dallas Bergstrom @18:54) would clean up the rebound sliding the puck past Fredrick. Shots favored the Kodiaks 15-8 in the third and 35-31 overall.
The Kodiaks and Bandits will meet up in Brooks on January 31st.

Canmore Eagles (22-24-1) @ Okotoks Oilers (28-14-5)
(Season series Oilers lead 3-1) (Streaks: Eagles lost 1, Oilers lost 2)
Nic Renyard stopped all 20 shots as the Oilers shutout the Eagles 6-0.
The Oilers would get the only two goals of the opening frame. Tanner Ockey (assists to Darian Henry and Kevin Jenken @6:22)  wristed a shot from the slot past Eagles (starting) goaltender Ryan Ferguson. Eric Krienke (assists to Kyle Olson and Stephen Doane @8:51) on a goal mouth scramble would poke the puck into the back of the net. Shots favored the Oilers 9-5.
The Oilers would double their lead in the second. Darian Henry (assist to Tanner Ockey @8:00) floated a shot from the right point over the should of Ferguson. While shorthanded the Kodiaks would make it 4-0. Mitch Collett (unassisted @15:19) avoided the poke check on the breakaway and would slide the puck into the net. Shots were even 12-12 in the period and favored the Oilers 21-17 in the hockey game.
The Oilers would add two more goals to earn a 6-0 victory. On the power play, the Oilers would go ahead 5-0. Frankie Spellman (assists to Rhett Gardner and Darian Henry @6:57) on a backdoor feed would snap the puck past Ferguson glove side. Tanner Ockey (assists to Frankie Spellman and Nolan Thompson @18:14) would score his second of the night from the right faceoff circle. Shots favored the Oilers 15-3 in the third and 36-20 overall.
The Eagles will host the Oilers on January 31st.

Fort McMurray Oil Barons (26-18-4) @ Spruce Grove Saints (40-6-3)
(Season series Saints lead 4-1) (Streaks: Oil Barons lost 1, Saints won 14)
Jarid Hauptman had a goal and an assist as the Saints defeated the Oil Barons 5-2.
Both teams would find the back of the net in the opening frame. Cole Nicholson (assists to Jarid Hauptman and Connor James @10:02) from the left faceoff circle would wrist the shot past Oil Barons (starting) goaltender Zach Fortin. Luc Lalor (assists to Brett McNeil and Jackson McKinstry @12:59) redirected a point shot that got past Saints (starting) goaltender Brett Zarowny. Shots favored the Oil Barons 12-11.
The Saints would outscore the Oil Barons 4-1 in the second. Stefan Burzan (assists Zach McNeill and Austin Holmes @2:13) on the rebound would wrist the puck behind Zarowny. Jarid Hauptman (assists to Lukas Biensch and Nicolas Correale @9:44) wristed a shot from the top of the slot over the shoulder of Fortin. The Saints would take the lead on the power play. Jordan Thomas (assist to Josh Harris @15:01) tipped the shot just under the crossbar to make it 3-2. Just 49 seconds later Colton Leiter (assists to Macklin Pichonsky and Parker Mackay @15:50) blasted a shot from the right faceoff circle that would beat Fortin short side. The Saints would finish off the scoring the period on the power play. Riley Simpson (assists to Paul Lovsin and Tyler Busch @17:50) on the rebound would poke the puck into the back of the net. Shots favored the Saints 21-6 in the second and 32-18.
Neither team would be able to find the back of the net in the third. Shots favored the Saints 9-7 in the third and 41-25 overall.
Both teams will be in action on January 31st. The Oil Barons will be in Sherwood Park while the Saints will host Grande Prairie.

Grande Prairie Storm (15-29-4) @ Sherwood Park Crusaders (22-21-7)
(Season series tied 1-1) (Streaks: Storm 2-0-2, Crusaders 1-0-2)
Zac Klassen stopped 27 of 28 shots as the Crusaders edged the Storm 2-1 in a shootout.
The Crusaders would get the lone goal in the opening frame. Cole Gammer (assist to Reid Bosse @10:47) made no mistake on a centering pass beating the Storm (starting) goaltender Logan Thompson. Shots favored the Crusaders 9-5.
Neither team would be able to find the back of the net in the second. Shots favored the Storm 14-8 in the period and 19-17 in the hockey game.
The Storm would score the lone goal in the third on the power play to send the game to overtime. Ben Assad (assist to Stefen Seel @18:47) from the right faceoff circle would snap a shot over Crusaders (starting) goaltender Zac Klassen. Shots favored the Crusaders 15-7 in the third and 32-26 in regulation.
Overtime settled nothing, and it was off to a shootout. Shots were even 2-2 in the period and favored the Crusaders 34-28 overall.
Shootout round 1: the goaltenders would stop Brett Van Os (Crusaders) and Jarred Toole (Storm). Round 2: Ryan Kruper (Crusaders) would wrist the puck over the glove of Thompson while Ben Assad (Storm) couldn't get the puck past the pad of Klassen. Round 3: the goaltenders would stop Lane Zablocki (Crusaders) and Karl El-Mir (Storm).
Both teams will be in action on January 31st. The Storm will be in Spruce Grove while the Crusaders will host Fort McMurray.

Olds Grizzlys (21-20-6) @ Drumheller Dragons (26-15-7)
(Season series Grizzlys lead 3-1) (Streaks: Grizzlys won 1, Dragons won 2)
Jonny Hogue stopped 27 of 28 shots as the Dragons defeated the Grizzlys 3-1.
Neither team would be able to find the back of the net in the first. Shots favored the Dragons 13-8.
The Dragons would score twice in the middle frame. Mitchell Cook (unassisted @2:33) found the loose puck at the top of the crease and would wrist a shot past Grizzlys (starting) goaltender Jesse Gordichuk. Ryan Jevne (assists to Reid Nemeth and Connor Duncan @7:57) picked up the rebound and wired the puck past Gordichuk. Shots favored the Dragons 18-12 in the second and 31-20 in the hockey game.
Both teams would find the back of the net in the third. The Grizzlys would get on the board with a power play goal. Colton Sheen (assists to Tyrell Mappin and James Miller @9:48) would wrist a shot over the shoulder of Dragons (starting) goaltender Jonny Hogue. Connor Boyd (assists to Scott Ivey and Rory Davidson @12:21) would whack at the puck and get it to trickle across the line to make it 3-1. Shots favored the Dragons 9-8 in the third and 40-28 overall.
January 31st the two teams will complete their home and home in Olds.

Whitecourt Wolverines (18-22-6) @ Lloydminster Bobcats (27-16-6)
(Season series Bobcats lead 2-1) (Streaks Wolverines Won 1, Bobcats Won 1)
Tanner McCorriston stopped 33 of 34 shots as the Wolverines defeated the Bobcats 3-1.
The Wolverines would score the lone goal in the opening frame. Lance Yaremchuk (assist to Trace Elson @10:22) hammered a slap shot from the right point past Bobcats (starting) goaltender Devin Green. Shots were even 7-7.
The two teams would exchange goals in the second. Kevin Darrar (assists to Ryan Hendrix and Patrick Geary @6:35) wristed a shot from the top of the slot past Wolverines (starting) goaltender Tanner McCorriston to tie the game. The Wolverines would retake the lead on the power play. Trace Elson (assists to Jordan Davies and John Mullally @19:37) from the top of the slot would wire a shot past the blocker of Green. Shots favored the Bobcats 15-7 in the second and 22-14 in the hockey game.
The Wolverines would get the lone goal in the third on the power play. John Mullally (unassisted @19:58) put the puck into the empty net from center ice. Shots favored the Bobcats 12-7 in the third and 34-21 overall.
Both teams will play the Pontiacs in their next game. Whitecourt will be in Bonnyville on January 31st while the Bobcats will be in Bonnyville on February 1st.

Story by Chris Colwell
@Cjcolwell


January 29th, 2015

For the first time in 2015 a game will be played on a Thursday in the AJHL.

Calgary Canucks (15-26-6) @ Calgary Mustangs (13-32-3)
(Season series tied 2-2) (Streaks Canucks lost 3, Mustangs lost 1)
Scott Salberg scored once and added an assist as the Mustangs topped the Canucks 4-1.
Neither team was able to find the back of the net in the first. Shots favored the Canucks 16-12.
The Mustangs would outscore the Canucks 3-1 in the second. Bryson Gore (assists to Connor McCallum and Mark Nerland @0:14) would drive to the net and redirect a pass behind Mustangs (starting) goaltender Ravi Dattani. Darian Skeoch (assists to Scott Salberg and Vincent Paquette @7:56) would clean up the rebound, chipping the puck past Canucks (starting) goaltender Colin Cooper. Just 57 seconds later Scott Salberg (Kurtis Rutledge @8:53) got a breakaway feed and snapped a shot over the shoulder of Cooper. Dondre Watson (assists to Spencer Johnstone and Jordan Xavier @16:50) would score from the same spot as Salberg to give the Mustangs a 3-1 lead. Shots favored the Mustangs 16-13 in the period but were29-28 Canucks in the hockey game.
The Mustangs would get the lone goal in the third. Jordan Xavier (unassisted @6:03) would have the puck bounce off his shin and between the pads of Cooper. Shots favored the Canucks 14-6 in the period and 43-34 overall.
The Canucks will be in Drayton Valley on January 31st while the Mustangs will host Brooks on February 3rd.


January 28th, 2015

Just one game on Wednesday night to open up the final week of January.

Sherwood Park Crusaders (22-21-6) @ Bonnyville Pontiacs (21-19-7)
(Crusaders lead season series 3-0) (Streaks: Crusaders 1-0-1, Pontiacs 1-0-1)  The Pontiacs would score the only two goals of the opening frame. Bobby McMann (assist to Steenn Pasichnuk @6:52) blasted a shot from the slot that would get past Crusaders (starting) goaltender Zac Klassen. On the power play, the Pontiacs would double their lead. Kyler Hehn (assists to Brinson Pasichnuk and Evan Warmington @15:12) cleaned up the rebound to make it 2-0. Shots favored the Pontiacs 9-8.
A high scoring second period would see the Crusaders outscore the Pontiacs 4-2. Arthur Gordon (assists to Lane Zablocki and Dane Phaneuf @1:54) would jam the puck past Pontiacs (starting) goaltender Troy Trombley. Brinson Pasichnuk (assist to Kyler Hehn @6:44) finished off a two on one firing a wrist shot past Klassen. Cole Gammer (assist to Reid Bosse @10:00) played give and go with Bosse on a three on one beating Trombley. The Crusaders would tie the game on the power play. Daniel Wray (assist to Bryar Ortynski @11:10) would pick the short side on Trombley. While shorthanded the Pontiacs would regain the lead. Evan Warmington (assist to Chad Hurtubise @12:33) finished off a two on one taking a cross ice pass and snapping the puck into the net. Bryar Ortynski (assists to Cameron Brezinski and Daniel Wray @16:35) from the slot would snap a shot past Trombley. Shots favored the Crusaders 13-7 in the period and 21-16 in the hockey game.
Both teams would be able to find the back of the net in the third, and it was off to overtime tied 5-5. Evan Warmington (assists to Ryan Symington and Brady Bakke @10:46) found the loose puck at the top of the crease and jammed the puck past Klassen. Ben Sowa (assists to Brett Van Os and Daniel Wray @19:17) blasted a shot from the point that would find a way past Trombley. Shots favored the Crusaders 9-7 in the third and 30-23 in regulation.
Overtime would last less than a minute. Kyler Hehn (unassisted @0:58) would keep the puck on a two on one and out wait Klassen to win the game. Shots favored the Pontiacs 2-1 in overtime but favored the Crusaders 31-25 overall.
Sherwood Park will host Grande Prairie on January 30th while Bonnyville will host Whitecourt on January 31st.


January 25th, 2015

Just two games to finish off the weekend in the AJHL.

Calgary Canucks (15-25-6) @ Camrose Kodiaks (36-7-3)
(Kodiaks lead season series 4-0) (Streaks Canucks Lost 2, Kodiaks Won 4)
Jody Sick had two assists as the Kodiaks defeated the Canucks 5-2.
The Kodiaks would score the lone goal in the opening frame. Danton Davis (assist to Devin McDonald @18:17) held the puck on a three on one and snapped the shot over the glove of Canucks (starting) Colin Cooper. Shots favored the Kodiaks 9-8.
The Canucks would outscore the Kodiaks 2-1 in the second to tie the game. On the power play, the Canucks would tie the game 1-1. Connor McCallum (assists to Mark Nerland and Josh Betinol @0:58) would get behind the defense and wrist a shot over the glove of Kodiaks (starting) goaltender Devin McDonald. William Nicholas (assist to Tyler Benko @14:48) from the right faceoff circle would wrist a shot over the glove of McDonald. Just 14 seconds later Ryker Leer (assists to Jody Sick and Nelson Gadoury @15:02) would poke the rebound past Cooper to tie the game at 2-2. Shots favored the Kodiaks 18-8 in the second and 27-16 in the hockey game.
The Kodiaks would get three goals in the third to ensure a 5-2 victory. Right off the faceoff Tanner Younghans (assists to Adam deChamplain and Spencer Kryczka @0:44) would take the puck to the net and backhand a shot five-hole on Cooper. Brett Njaa (unassisted @6:54) found a little bit of room on the short side of McDonald. Cam Gotaas (assist to Jody Sick @18:26) tapped the puck into an empty net. Shots favored the Kodiaks 21-8 in the third and 48-24 overall.
The Canucks will take on the Mustangs on Jan 29th while the Kodiaks will be in Brooks on January30th.

Drumheller Dragons (25-15-7) @ Bonnyville Pontiacs (21-19-6)
(Pontiacs lead season series 2-0) (Streaks Dragons & Pontiacs Won 1)
Jonny Hogue made 39 saves on 41 shots as the Dragons edged the Pontiacs 3-2 in a shootout.
The Pontiacs would get the lone goal in the first. Kyler Hehn (assist to Dillan McCombie @9:09) would backhand the puck past Dragons (starting) goaltender Jonny Hogue. Shots favored the Dragons 14-8.
Both teams would find the back of the net in the second. Connor Boyd (assists to Brody Valette and Keaton Holinaty @6:49) would redirect the puck behind Pontiacs (starting) goaltender Joey Desrosiers. Bobby McMann (assists to Chad Hurtubise and Steenn Pasichnuk @8:24) redirected a shot past Hogue to give the Pontiacs the lead back. Shots favored the Pontiacs 19-11 in the period and 27-25 in the hockey game.
The Dragons would score the lone goal in the third to force overtime. Mitchell Cook (assists to Wyatt Noskey and Hunter Mills @13:57) would whack the puck into the back of the net to tie the game. Shots favored the Dragons 13-12 in the period but favored the Pontiacs 39-38 after regulation.
Overtime solved nothing, and it was off to a shootout. Shots favored the Dragons 3-2 in the period and were even 41-41 overall.
Shootout round 1: the goaltenders would stand tall stopping both Kyler Hehn (Pontiacs) and Brody Valette (Dragons). Round 2: Hogue would stop Dillan McCombie (Pontiacs) while Wyatt Noskey (Dragons) would backhand the puck past Desrosiers. Round 3: Mitch Fritz (Pontiacs) would hit he post.
Drumheller will host Olds on January 30th while the Pontiacs will host the Crusaders on January 28th.


January 24th, 2015

It's a busy Saturday night in the AJHL with 12 teams hitting the ice.

Olds Grizzlys (20-20-6) @ Canmore Eagles (22-23-1)
(Season series tied 2-2) (Streaks: Grizzlys 4 losses, Eagles 2 wins)
Jesse Gordichuk made 39 saves as the Grizzlys edged the Eagles 3-2.
The Grizzlys would outscore the Eagles 2-1 in the first. Nikolas Kosman (unassisted @2:31) walked off the boards and from the slot snapped a shot over the blocker of Grizzlys (starting) goaltender Jesse Gordichuk. Tyrell Mappin (assist to Jade McMullen @3:24) took a drop pass in the slot and wristed a shot past Eagles (starting) goaltender Ryan Ferguson. Landon Kletke (unassisted @6:41) on a breakaway would snap a shot over the blocker of Ferguson. Shots were even 14-14.
The Grizzlys would double their lead with the only goal in the second. Sean Richards (assists to Kirk Johnson and Chase Olsen @13:26) wired a shot over the glove Ferguson to make it 3-1. Shots favored the Grizzlys 18-12 in the period and 32-26 in the hockey game.
The Eagles would get within one in the third but couldn't tie the game. Adam Tisdale (assist to Reid Wilson @3:09) wristed a shot over the glove of Gordichuk. Shots favored the Eagles 15-8 in third and 41-40 overall.
Both teams will be on the road January 30th. The Grizzlys will be in Okotoks while the Eagles will be in Drumheller.

Brooks Bandits (35-10-1) @ Sherwood Park Crusaders (21-21-6)
(Bandits lead season series2-0) (Streaks: Bandits 5 wins, Crusaders 0-1-1)
Lane Zablocki scored twice as the Crusaders edged the Bandits 5-4.
The Bandits would score the lone goal in the first on the power play. Jared Cockrell (assists to Austin Plevy and Linden Springer @14:02) blasted a one-timer past the blocker hand of Crusaders (starting) goaltender Zac Klassen. Shots favored the Crusaders 11-5.
Both teams would find the back of the net three times in the second. Daniel Wray (assist to Cameron Brezinski @7:44) would stuff the puck past Bandits (starting) goaltender Michael Fredrick. Just nine seconds later Lane Zablocki (assists to Arthur Gordon and Ryan Kruper @7:53) turned in the slot and wristed a shot five-hole on Fredrick. Linden Springer (assist to Kyle Star @12:40) bang the puck just across the goal line to tie the game at 2-2. The Crusaders would retake the lead on the power play. Ben Sowa (assists to Cole Gammer and Tanner Laderoute @16:23) cleaned up the rebound flipping the puck over Fredrick. Just 40 seconds later Kyler Nachtigall (assists to Madison Dunn and Alex Roberts @17:03) from the right faceoff circle would wrist the puck past Zablocki. Austin Plevy (assist to Linden Springer @19:59) would drive to the front of the net and backhand a shot over the glove of Klassen with 0.8 left in the second. Shots favored the Bandits 10-8 in the period and 21-13 in the hockey game.
The Crusaders would score twice in the third to complete the comeback. Tyler Maltby (unassisted @5:29) would take advantage of a turnover to tie the game. Lane Zablocki (assists to Arthur Gordon and Ben Sowa @8:45) would wrist a shot over the glove of Fredrick. Shots favored the Crusaders 2-0 in the period but favored the Bandits 27-21 overall.
The Bandits will host Camrose on January 30th while the Crusaders will be in Bonnyville on Jan 28th.

Okotoks Oilers (28-13-5) @ Bonnyville Pontiacs (20-19-6)
(Season series Oilers defeated Bonnyville 4-3 in OT on Oct 26th) (Streaks: Oilers & Pontiacs 1 loss)
Troy Trombley made 30 saves as the Pontiacs shutout the Oilers 7-0.
The Pontiacs would score twice in the opening frame. On the power play, Bonnyville would open the scoring. Alden Dupuis (assist to Erik Donald @10:20) on the rebound would fire the puck past the blocker of Oilers (starting) goaltender Riley Morris. Right off the faceoff Kyler Hehn (assist to Evan Warmington @15:35) would wrist a shot over the blocker of Morris. Shots favored the Oilers 16-14.
The Pontiacs doubled their lead in the second with a pair of power play goals. Kyler Hehn (assists to Braiden Doucette and Ryan Black @6:27) would go forehand to backhand and roll the puck into the net.  Dillan McCombie (assists to Steen Pasichnuk and Kyler Hehn @9:17) finished off a three on two to make it 4-0. Shots favored the Pontiacs 15-7 in the second and 29-23 in the hockey game.
The Pontiacs would add three more power play goals in the third to pick up a 7-0 victory. Alden Dupuis (assists to Braiden Doucette and Ryan Black @5:26) on the rebound would tap the puck into the back of the net. Just over a minute later Mitch Fritz (assists to Ryan Symington and Cody Fiala @6:35) wristed a shot from the slot over the glove of Morris. Mitch Fritz (assists to Chad Hurtubise and Brinson Pasichnuk @17:42) would sweep the puck past Oilers (backup) goaltender Nic Renyard. Shots favored the Pontiacs 12-7 in the third and 41-30 overall. 
Okotoks will host Canmore on January 30th while the Pontiacs will host the Dragons on January 25th.

Drayton Valley Thunder (14-21-10) @ Grande Prairie Storm (14-29-4)
(Season series tied 2-2) (Streaks: Thunder 2-0-1, Storm 1-02)
Josh Zablocki scored once and added an assist as the Storm defeated the Thunder 3-1.
The Storm would score the lone goal in the opening frame. Karl El-Mir (assists to Jarred Toole and Clive Rozdeba @5:07) kept the puck on a two on one and would beat Thunder (starting) goaltender Marc-Olivier Daigle. Shots favored the Thunder 8-2.
Neither team would be able to find the back of the net in the second. Shots favored the Thunder 9-6 in the period and 17-8 in the hockey game.
The Storm would outscore the Thunder 2-1 in the third to pick up a 3-1 victory. Josh Zablocki (assists to Carter Wolski and Stefen Seel @1:24) wristed a shot from the right point that would sneak through Daigle. Troy Rapuano (assists to Jason Miller and Jordan Taupert @12:21) finished off a three on two beating Storm (starting) goaltender Logan Thompson. Nolan Yaremko (assists to Josh Zablocki and Stefen Seel @17:36) would capitalize on a down and out Daigle. Shots were even 14-14 in the third but favored the Thunder 31-22 overall.
The Thunder will host the Calgary Canucks on January 31st while the Storm will be in Sherwood Park on January 30th.

Calgary Canucks (15-24-6) @ Lloydminster Bobcats (26-16-6)
(Season series Canucks defeated the Bobcats 3-2 in SO on Jan 17th) (Streaks: Canucks 1 loss, Bobcats 0-2-1)
Kevin Darrar had four assists as the Bobcats defeated the Canucks 7-2.
The Bobcats would outscore the Canucks 2-1 in the first. The Bobcats would open the scoring on the power play. Taylor Allan (assists to Troy Van Tetering and Taylor Mulder @1:56) would jam away at the puck and beat Canucks (starting) goaltender Colin Cooper. Just 57 seconds later Patrick Geary (assist to Shane Switzer @2:53) would shovel the puck into the back of the net. Matthew Dykstra (assists to Matteo Milroy and TrentGeiger @16:38) snapped a shot past Bobcats (starting) goaltender Devin Green. Shots favored the Bobcats 16-13.
Both teams would get special team goals in the second. While shorthanded Connor McCallum (assists to Chase McMurphy and Mark Nerland @1:44) would flip the rebound over Green to tie the game. The Bobcats would retake the lead on the power play. Brett Everson (assist to Kevin Darrar @17:47) would tap the loose puck past Cooper. Shots favored the Bobcats 14-11 in the period and 30-14 in the hockey game.
The Bobcats would score four times in the third to protect their lead. Patrick Geary (assist to Kevin Darrar @3:19) would finish off a Canucks turnover to add to their lead. On the power play, the Bobcats would make it 5-2. Taylor Allan (assists to Kevin Darrar and Shane Switzer @11:58) from the slot put a shot over the blocker of Cooper. Brett Everson (assist to Taylor Allan @14:25) from his stomach would sweep the puck past Cooper. The Bobcats would finish off the scoring on the power play. Patrick Geary (assists to Kevin Darrar and Brett Everson @17:24) finished off a back door pass to make it 7-2. Shots favored the Bobcats 11-4 in the third and 41-28 overall.
The Canucks will be in Camrose on January 25th while the Bobcats will host Whitecourt on January 30th.

Drumheller Dragons (24-15-7) @ Fort McMurray Oil Barons (26-17-4)
(Season series Dragons defeated the Oil Barons 5-4 in OT on Oct 10) (Streaks: Dragons 0-1-2, Oil Barons 1 win)
Jonny Hogue made 37 saves as the Dragons edged the Oil Barons 3-2.
The Dragons would score the only goal in the opening frame. Scott Ivey (assist to Rory Davidson @3:02) from the slot would wrist a shot past Oil Barons (starting) goaltender Zach Fortin. Shots favored the Dragons 19-12.
Both teams would get goals in the second. Luc Lalor (assist to Adam Durkee @4:58) blasted a one-timer past Dragons (starting) goaltender Jonny Hogue. On the power play, the Dragons would get the lead back. Clint Filbrandt (assists to Conor Duncan and Marcus Messier @17:48) blasted a shot from the point that would sneak by Fortin. Shots favored the Oil Barons 13-10 in the period but favored the Dragons 29-25 in the hockey game.
Both teams would score a power play goal in the third. Dakota Zaharichuk (assist to HunterMills @9:56) would beat a screened Fortin to make it 3-1. Adam Durkee (assists to Luc Lalor and Zach Wittenburg @12:48) would backhand the puck past Hogue. Shots favored the Oil Barons 14-12 in the period but favored the Dragons 41-39 overall.
The Dragons will be in Bonnyville on January 25th while the Oil Barons will be in Spruce Grove on January 30th.

Story by Chris Colwell
@Cjcolwell


January 23rd, 2015

It's a busy start to the weekend that will see 12 teams hit the ice on Friday night. The Mustangs will be in Camrose to take on the Kodiaks for the fifth time this season (Kodiaks lead season series 3-1). The Mustangs are trying to build on their 9-2 win over Olds on Tuesday night while the Kodiaks have won three in a row. The aforementioned Grizzlys will host the Canmore Eagles for the fifth time this season (series tied 2-2). The Grizzlys have dropped three straight while the Eagles are looking to build off their 4-3 win over the Mustangs last Saturday. The Sherwood Park Crusaders head to Spruce Grove to take on the red hot Saints for the fifth time this season (Saints lead season series 3-1).  Sherwood Park is looking to bounce back from a 2-1 loss to Whitecourt on Wednesday while the Saints have won 13 in a row. The Grande Prairie Storm met up with the Drayton Valley Thunder for the (Storm lead season series 2-1). Both teams are coming of wins last Saturday. The Brooks Bandits traveled to Lloydminster to battle the Bobcats for the third and final time this season (Bobcats lead season series 2-0). The Bandits have won four straight games while the Bobcats are trying to snap a two game slide. The Okotoks Oilers hit the road to take on the Fort McMurray Oil Barons for the third and final time this season (Oilers lead season series 2-0). The Oilers are looking to build off their 2-0 win over the Bobcats on Sunday while the Oil Barons are trying to snap a two game slide.

Calgary Mustangs (13-31-3) @ Camrose Kodiaks (35-7-3)
Nelson Gadoury scored once and added two assists as the Kodiaks topped the Mustangs 5-1.
The Kodiaks would get a pair of goals in the opening frame. Scott Ferguson (assists to Trevor Costello and Nelson Gadoury @14:59) on the rebound, he would shovel the puck under Mustangs (starting) goaltender Ravi Dattani. Tanner Younghans (assists to Dallas Bergstrom and Nelson Gadoury @16:57) would redirect a shot from the point five-hole on Dattani. Shots favored the Kodiaks 19-7.
The Kodiaks would add to their lead on the power play in the second. Nelson Gadoury (assists o Cam Gotaas and Brett Njaa @9:46) would capitalize on the rebound to make it 3-0. Shots favored the Kodiaks 11-7 in the period and 30-14 in the hockey game.
The Kodiaks would outscore the Mustangs 2-1 in the third. Scott Salberg (assist to Anthony Orubor @2:16) blasted a shot over the glove of Kodiaks (starting) goaltender Devin McDonald. Dallas Bergstrom (assists to Adam Wheeldon and Braeden Salverda @7:37) blasted a shot from the right point that would get past Dattani's blocker. Scott Ferguson (assist to Adam Wheeldon @19:57) chipped the puck into the empty net to make it 5-1. Shots favored the Mustangs 12-11 in the third but favored the Kodiaks 41-26 overall.
The Mustangs will host the Calgary Canucks on January 29th while the Kodiaks will host the Canucks on January 25th.

Canmore Eagles (21-23-1) @ Olds Grizzlys (20-19-6)
Lane Olson and Connor Wilson each had a goal and an assist as the Eagles edged the Grizzlys 3-2.
The two teams exchanged goals in the first. Logan Ferguson (assists to Connor Wilson and Simon Philp @1:13) hammered a one-timer past the blocker hand of Grizzlys (starting) goaltender Jesse Gordichuk. While shorthanded Colton Sheen (assist to Jade McMullen @7:40) would backhand the puck past Eagles (starting) goaltender Ryan Ferguson. Shots favored the Grizzlys 11-6.
The Eagles would outscore the Grizzlys 2-1 in the second to take a 3-2 lead. On the power play, the Grizzlys would take their first lead of the night. Austin Kernahan (assists to Colton Sheen and Jack Goranson @5:26) from his knees would sweep the puck into the net past Ferguson. Just seven seconds later Lane Olson (assist to Brett Radford @5:33) would drive to the net from the left side and push the puck five-hole on Gordichuk. Connor Wilson (assists to Jeremy Gordon and Lane Olson @13:07) blasted a shot from the right faceoff over the shoulder of Gordichuk. Shots favored the Eagles 10-9 in the period but favored the Grizzlys 20-16 in the hockey game.
Neither team would be able to find the back of the net in the third. Shots favored the Grizzlys 11-5 in the third and 31-21 overall.
The Eagles and Grizzlys will finish off their home and home in Canmore on January 24th.

Sherwood Park Crusaders (21-21-5) @ Spruce Grove Saints (39-6-3)
Brett Zarowny stopped 24 of 26 shots as the Saints topped the Crusaders 3-2 in overtime.
The two teams would exchange goals in the first. Lane Zablocki (assists to Ryan Kuper and Arthur Gordon @10:58) would jam the puck past Saints (starting) goaltender Brett Zarowny. Colton Leiter (assist to Nicolas Correale @15:23) would backhand the puck under the blocker of Crusaders (starting) goaltender Zac Klassen. Shots favored the Saints 9-7.
The Saints would take the lead with the lone goal in the second. Connor James (assists to Paul Lovsin and Jarid Hauptman @0:57) would stuff the puck in on the wrap around to make it 2-1. Shots favored the Saints 11-8 in the period and 20-15 in the hockey game.
The Crusaders would get the lone goal in the third to send the game to overtime. Bryar Ortynski (assist to Daniel Wray @9:11) from just inside the left faceoff circle would wrist the puck past Zarowny. Shots favored the Crusaders 8-5 in the third but favored the Saints 25-23 after regulation.
The Saints would win the game late in overtime. Jordan Thomas (assists to Tyler Busch and Lukas Biensch @4:04) would bang away at the puck and get it to trickle through the pads of Klassen. Shots favored the Saints 4-3 in overtime and 29-26 overall.
The Crusaders will host the Brooks Bandits on January 24th while the Saints will host the Oil Barons on January 30th.

Drayton Valley Thunder (13-21-10) @ Grande Prairie Storm (14-29-3)
Garrett Mason made 22 saves on 24 shots as the Thunder defeated the Storm 3-2 in overtime.
Blake Bosch (assist to Dustin Gorgi @5:29) snapped a shot five-hole on Thunder (starting) goaltender Garrett Mason. Shots favored the Thunder 13-8.
The Thunder would score twice in the second to take the lead 2-1 after 40. Joseph Tambasco (assists to Jason Miller and Brayden Harris @5:46) wristed a shot from the slot over the Storm (starting) goaltender Logan Thompson. Jamie Waddington (assists to Jordan Taupert and Troy Rapuano @16:52) would pick the short side on Thompson to make it 2-1. Shots favored the Thunder 11-8 in the period and 24-16 in the hockey game.
The Storm would score the lone goal in the third to send the game to overtime. Josh Zablocki (assist to Stefen Seel @9:03) walked out from the corner and wristed a shot past Mason to tie the game. Shots favored the Thunder 8-6 in the third and 32-22 in regulation.
The Thunder would need less than two minutes to win the game in overtime. Trevor Poirier (assist to Garrett Mason @1:58) would drive to the front of the net and backhand the puck past Thompson. Shots favored the Storm 2-1 in overtime but favored the Thunder 33-24 overall.
The Thunder and Storm will play in Grande Prairie on January 24th.

Brooks Bandits (34-10-1) @ Lloydminster Bobcats (26-15-6)
Derek Lodermeier scored late as the Bandits edged the Bobcats 3-2.
The Bobcats would score the lone goal in the first. Evan Tschumi (assist to Taylor Mulder @8:29) would keep the puck on a two on one and snap the puck over the shoulder of Bandits (starting) goaltender Michael Fredrick. Shots favored the Bandits 9-3.
The Bandits would get the lone goal of the second to tie the game. Linden Springer (unassisted @3:14) snapped a shot over the shoulder of Bobcats (starting) goaltender Devin Green. Shots favored the Bandits 15-6 in the period and 24-9 in the hockey game.
The Bandits would outscore the Bobcats 2-1 in the third to earn a 3-2 victory. Kevin Darrar (assist Ryan Hendrix @0:18) from the bottom of the right faceoff circle would snap the puck off the far post and in. The Bandits would tie the game on the power play. Mark Logan (assists to Alex Roberts and Madison Dunn @5:59) tipped a slap shot over the shoulder of Green. Derek Lodermeier (assists to Austin Plevy and Chase Clayton @14:46) would put the puck towards the net, and it would trickle through Green. Shots favored the Bandits 18-5 in the third and 42-14 overall.
Both teams will be in action on January 24th. The Bandits will be in Sherwood Park while the Bobcats will host the Calgary Canucks.

Okotoks Oilers (28-12-5) @ Fort McMurray Oil Barons (25-17-4)
Logan Franz scored twice as the Oil Barons edged the Oilers 5-4.
The two teams would exchange goals in the opening frame. Logan Franz (assists to Mark Drohan and Jetlan Houcher @14:13) on the rebound would chip the puck over Oilers (starting) goaltender Nic Renyard. On the power play, the Oilers would tie the game. Darian Henry (unassisted @15:56) would get a friendly hop off the glass that would bounce off Oil Barons (starting) goaltender Zach Fortin. Shots were even 13-13.
The Oilers would outscore the Oil Barons 2-1 to take a 3-2 lead after two. Luc Lalor (assists to Adam Durkee and Tyler Dea @1:51) finished off a cross crease pass to give the Oil Barons their one goal lead back. Eric Krienke (assists to Stephen Doane and Gary Haden @8:49) wristed a shot over the glove of Fortin. Jordie Lawson (assists to Phelan Shaw and Stephen Doane @12:26) from the side of the net would backhand the puck past Fortin. Shots favored the Oil Barons 11-8 in the second and 24-21 in the hockey game.
The Oil Barons would outscore the Oilers 3-1 in the third to come from behind to win the game. Stephen Doane (assists to Kevin Jenken and Mat McNair @10:47) would snap the puck over the blocker of Fortin. Logan Franz (assists to Jetlan Houcher and Salvatore Scalise @13:51) blasted a one-timer past Renyard for his second of the game. Isaac Ceh (assist to Luc Lalor @15:07) would jam the puck past Renyard to tie the game. Just 22 seconds later Stefan Burzan (assist to Zach McNeill @15:29) from the left faceoff circle would wrist a shot past Renyard. Shots favored the Oilers 14-8 in the third and 35-32 overall.
Both teams will return to the ice on January 24th. The Oilers will be in Bonnyville while the Oil Barons will host Drumheller.

Story by Chris Colwell
@Cjcolwell


January 21st, 2015

Six teams hit the ice on Wednesday night in the AJHL. The Camrose Kodiaks traveled to Calgary to battle the Canucks for the fourth time this season (Kodiaks lead the season series 3-0). The Kodiaks have won two straight while the Canucks are looking to build on their 4-3 shootout win over the Bobcats last Saturday. Bonnyville traveled to Spruce Grove to battle the Saints for the fourth time this season (Saints lead season series 3-0). The Saints have won 12 straight games while the Pontiacs are trying to build off their 6-3 win over the Oil Barons last Saturday. The Sherwood Park Crusaders traveled to Whitecourt to battle the Wolverines for the sixth and final time this regular season (Crusaders lead season series 3-2). The Wolverines are looking to rebound from their 2-1 loss on Saturday to Drayton Valley while the Crusaders were looking to build on their 2-1 win over Fort McMurray last Friday.

Camrose Kodiaks (34-7-3) @ Calgary Canucks (15-23-6)
Cam Gotaas scored twice as the Kodiaks defeated the Canucks 5-3.
Two late power play goals gave the Kodiaks a 3-1 lead over the Canucks after one. Right off the faceoff Cam Gotaas (assist to Brett Njaa @5:16) would take the puck to the net and stuff the puck past Canucks (starting) goaltender Colin Cooper. Michael Clarke (assists to Tyler Benko and Brendon Benson @12:27) pounced on the rebound off the end boards and slipped the puck past Kodiaks (starting) goaltender Reid Kilburn. On the power play, the Kodiaks would restore their lead. Brett Njaa (assists to Jody Sick and Stefan Danielson @17:00) put the puck on goal from a sharp angle that would squeak through Cooper. Just 37 seconds later the Kodiaks would extend their lead on the power play. Ryker Leer (assists to Valik Chickin and Spencer Kryczka @17:37) flipped the rebound over the pad of Cooper.  Shots favored the Kodiaks 20-7.
Both teams would find the back of the net in the second. On the power play, the Kodiaks would extend their lead to three. Spencer Kryczka (assists to Valik Chickin and Dallas Bergstrom @14:16) snapped a shot over the shoulder of Cooper. Chandler Irvin (assists to Brendon Benson and Colin Cooper @18:37) redirected a centering pass behind Kilburn. Shots favored the Kodiaks 8-6 in the period and 28-13 in the hockey game.
Both teams would get goals in the third. Cam Gotaas (assist to Nelson Gadoury @8:51) finished off a centering pass flicking the puck past Cooper. Chase McMurphy (unassisted @18:24) followed the bouncing puck and would find the back of the net. Shots favored the Kodiaks 8-5 in the third and 36-18 overall.
The Kodiaks will host the Mustangs on January 23rd while the Canucks will be in Lloydminster on January 24th.

Bonnyville Pontiacs (20-18-6) @ Spruce Grove Saints (38-6-3)
Paul Lovsin scored twice and added an assist as the Saints shutout the Pontiacs 6-0.
Despite being outshoot in the first, the Saints would score the only three goals of the frame. Travis McEvoy (assist to Paul Lovsin @3:42) would stuff the puck past Pontiacs (starting) goaltender Troy Trombley on the wrap around. Jarid Hauptman (assist to Lukas Biensch @13:33) on the rebound would beat down and out Trombley to make it 2-0. Late in the period the Saints would strike on the power play. Paul Lovsin (assist to Jarid Hauptman @19:47) would wrist a shot from the top of the slot over the shoulder of Trombley. Shots favored the Pontiacs 11-8.
Neither team was able to find the back of the net in the second. Shots favored the Pontiacs 8-6 in the period and 19-14 in the hockey game.
The Saints scored three times late in the third to pick up a 6-0 victory. Paul Lovsin (assist to Jordan Thomas @13:27) would backhand the puck from the slot over the glove of Trombley. Riley Simpson (assists to Conner Lukan and Macklin Pichonsky @17:16) on the rebound would shovel the puck into the back of the net. Parker Mackay (assists to Brandon Biro and Connor James @19:11) would blast a shot bar down to make it 6-0. Shots favored the Saints 20-9 in the third and 34-28 overall.
Bonnyville will host Okotoks on January 24th while the Saints will host the Crusaders on January 23rd.

Sherwood Park Crusaders (21-20-5) @ Whitecourt Wolverines (17-22-6)
Jared Rathjen made 31 saves as the Wolverines edged the Crusaders 2-1.
The Wolverines would get the only goal in the first frame. Joseph Nardi (assists to Gordie Ballhorn and Dylan Thudium @5:18) on the rebound would slip the puck past Crusaders (starting) goaltender Zac Klassen. Shots favored the Wolverines 9-7.
Once again the Wolverines would get the lone goal of the period, this time it was a power play marker. Luke Mahura (assist to Jared Freadrich @15:06) from a sharp angle would put the puck over Klassen's shoulder. Shots favored the Crusaders 13-6 in the frame and 20-15 in the hockey game.
The Crusaders would score the lone goal of the third but fall 2-1. Tyler Maltby (assists to Luke Kempf and Reid Bosse @10:05) wristed a shot from the slot over the glove of Wolverines (starting) goaltender Jared Rathjen. Shots favored the Crusaders 12-10 in the third and 32-25 overall.
Sherwood Park will be in Spruce Grove on January 23rd while Whitecourt will be in Lloydminster on January 30th.

Story by Chris Colwell
@Cjcolwell


January 20th, 2015

Just two teams hit the ice on Tuesday night in the AJHL. The Calgary Mustangs played host to the Olds Grizzlys for the fifth time this season (season series tied 2-2). The Mustangs have lost three in a row while the Grizzlys have dropped their last two games.

Olds Grizzlys (20-18-6) @ Calgary Mustangs (12-31-3)
Dondre Watson scored a hat trick and added an assist as the Mustangs defeated the Grizzlys 9-2.
The Mustangs would get four goals in the opening frame. Dondre Watson (assist to Bennet Vida @1:02) took advantage of a bad bounce and flipped the puck past Grizzlys (starting) goaltender Jesse Gordichuk. On the power play, the Mustangs would double their lead. Joshua McCulloch(assists to Mason Mitchell and Jordan Xavier @3:00) would find the puck during a scramble and flip it over Gordichuk. Just 36 seconds later Jordan Xavier (assists to Mason Mitchell and Joe Mahon @3:36) cleaned up the rebound to make it 3-0. That would be the end of the night for Gordichuk, who would give up three goals on six shots. Dondre Watson (assist to Anthony Orubor @15:39) walked across the line and would beat Grizzlys (backup)goaltender Billy Gorn over the blocker. Shots were even 13-13.
The Mustangs would add to their lead outscoring the Grizzlys 2-1 in the second. Kodi Schwarz (assists to Jade McMullen and Christopher Gerrie @5:35) on the rebound would slide the puck past Mustangs (starting) goaltender Ravi Dattani. Joe Mahon (assist to Joshua McCulloch @11:34) would redirect a shot past Gorn. Vincent Paquette (assists to Dondre Watson and Spencer Johnstone @13:47) would drive to the net and backhand a shot over the glove of Gorn. That would spell the end of the night for Gorn, who would give up three goals on 17 shots. Shots favored the Mustangs 10-7 in the period and 23-20 in the hockey game.
The Mustangs would outscore the Grizzlys 3-1 in the third to earn a 9-2 victory. Cale Brown (assists BJ Duffin and James Miller @2:10) would one-time a shot past Dattani. Joe Mahon (assists to Jordan Xavier and Mason Mitchell @10:32) would tap the puck five-hole on Gordichuk. Dondre Watson (assists to Jared Virtanen and Vincent Paquette @12:33) blasted his third of the night over the shoulder of Gordichuk. Jordan Xavier (assists to Joe Mahon and Kylor Wall @17:37) wristed a shot five-hole on Gordichuk to make it 9-2 Mustangs. Shots favored the Grizzlys 26-7 in the third and 46-30 overall.
Both teams will be in action on January 23rd. The Grizzlys will host Canmore while the Mustangs will be in Camrose.

Story by Chris Colwell
@Cjcolwell


January 18th, 2015

Six teams hit the ice on Sunday afternoon in the AJHL. The Camrose Kodiaks played host to the Drumheller Dragons for the fifth time this season (Kodiaks lead season series 4-0). The Kodiaks are looking to build on their 3-2 shootout victory over the Storm on Friday while the Dragons are looking to snap a two game slide. The Calgary Mustangs played host to Spruce Grove for the second and final time this season (Saints lead season series 1-0). The Saints have won 11 straight while the Mustangs have lost their last two games. The Lloydminster Bobcats finished off their road trip in Okotoks as the two teams meet up for the second and final time this season (Bobcats lead season series 1-0). The Bobcats are looking to rebound from a 3-2 shootout loss to the Canucks on Saturday while the Oilers are looking to rebound from a 2-1 loss to Brooks on Saturday night.

Drumheller Dragons (24-14-7) @ Camrose Kodiaks (33-7-3)
Nelson Gadoury scored twice as the Kodiaks doubled up the Dragons 4-2.
The Dragons and Kodiaks would exchange first period goals. Jody Sick (assist to Adam deChamplain @1:11) finished off a cross ice pass beating Dragons (starting) goaltender Xavier Burghardt. On the power play, the Dragons would tie the game. Marcus Messier (assists to Clint Filbrandt and Connor Duncan @19:51) redirected a shot from the point that would get through Kodiaks (starting) goaltender Devin McDonald. Shots were even 15-15.
The Kodiaks would score the lone goal in the second frame. Stefan Danielson (unassisted @17:48) dumped the puck in from center ice that would go off Burghardt and into the net. Shots favored the Dragons 15-6 in the period and 30-21 in the hockey game.
The Kodiaks would outscore the Dragons 2-1 in the third. Keaton Holinaty (assists to Mitchell Cook and Jacob Schofield @4:35) took a centering feed and flicked the puck over McDonalds glove. While shorthanded the Kodiaks would retake the lead. Nelson Gadoury (assist to Ryker Leer @12:57) kept the puck on a two on one and snapped a shot over the glove of Burghardt. Nelson Gadoury (unassisted @19:35) would score his second of the night into an empty net. Shots were even in the third 11-11 but favored the Dragons 41-32 overall.
Drumheller will be in Fort McMurray on January 24th while the Kodiaks will be in Calgary to take on the Canucks on January 21st.

Spruce Grove Saints (37-6-3) @ Calgary Mustangs (12-30-3)
Jarid Hauptman and Parker Mackay each had a goal and two assists as the Saints topped the Mustangs 4-1.
The Saints would outscore the Mustangs 3-1 in the opening frame. Jarid Hauptman (assists to Brandon Biro and Parker Mackay @0:09) got in on a breakaway and beat Mustangs (starting) goaltender Ravi Dattani over the glove. Parker Mackay (assists to Jarid Hauptman and Macklin Pichonsky @7:04) would redirect a shot over the shoulder of Dattani. Brandon Biro (assists to Parker Mackay and Jarid Hauptman @14:43) snapped a shot from the right faceoff circle that beat Dattani short side. Dondre Watson (assists to Darian Skeoch and Vincent Paquette @18:36) on a breakaway would backhand the puck over the shoulder of Saints (starting) goaltender Matthew Murray. Shots favored the Saints 19-7.
Neither team was able to find the back of the net in the second. Shots favored the Saints 26-5 and 45-12 in the hockey game.
The Saints would score the lone goal in the third to pick up a 4-1 victory. Nicolas Correale (assists to Paul Lovsin and Josh Harris @8:41) in the slot would sweep the puck past a diving Dattani. Shots favored the Saints 10-8 in the third and 55-20 overall.
The Saints will return home on January 21st to take on Bonnyville. The Mustangs will host the Olds Grizzlys on January 20th.

Lloydminster Bobcats (26-14-6) @ Okotoks Oilers (27-12-5)
Nic Renyard stopped all 22 shots as the Oilers shutout the Bobcats 2-0.
Neither team was able to find the back of the net in the first. Shots favored the Oilers 10-6.
For the second straight period, the Bobcats and Oilers were scoreless. Shots favored the Oilers 8-7 in the period and 18-13 in the hockey game.
The Oilers would score the only two goals of the hockey game in the third. Matt McNair (assists to Cole Dunphy and Tanner Ockey @9:58) split the Bobcats defense and beat (starting) goaltender Devin Green glove side. Tanner Ockey (assist to Matt McNair @19:53) fired the puck into the empty net to make it 2-0. Shots favored the Oilers 12-9 in the period and 30-22 overall.
Both teams will be back in action on January 23rd. The Bobcats will host Brooks while the Oilers will be in Fort McMurray.

Story by Chris Colwell
@Cjcolwell


January 17th, 2015

All but two teams hit the ice on Saturday night in the AJHL. The Lloydminster Bobcats continued their road trip as they met up with the Calgary Canucks for the first time this season. The Bobcats are riding a two game winning streak while the Canucks have dropped three in a row. The Canmore Eagles will host the Calgary Mustangs in the fifth meeting of the season (Eagles lead season series 4-0). The Eagles have lost two straight since defeating the Mustangs 4-0 last Sunday. The Brooks Bandits and Okotoks Oilers meet up for the fifth time this season (Bandits lead season series 4-0). The Oilers and Bandits have each won three in a row coming into tonight's game. Grande Prairie continues their road trip in Olds as the two teams meet up for the second (Grizzlys lead season series 1-0) and final time this season. The Storm have dropped eight straight while the Grizzlys are looking to bounce back from a 6-3 loss to Brooks on Friday night. Fort McMurray Oil Barons traveled to Bonnyville for their fifth meeting of the season (Oil Barons lead season series 4-0). The Oil Barons are looking to rebound from a 2-1 loss to Sherwood Park on Friday night. The Pontiacs will try and bounce back from a 4-2 loss to Whitecourt on Wednesday night. The Wolverines and Thunder will meet up in Drayton Valley for their sixth of seven meetings this season (Wolverines lead season series 4-1). The Wolverines edged the Thunder 3-2 in a shootout Friday night. Spruce Grove Saints traveled to Drumheller to take on the Dragons for the third and final time this season (season series tied 1-1). The Saints have won ten straight while the Dragons are trying to bounce back from a 4-3 shootout loss to Drumheller on Sunday.

Lloydminster Bobcats (26-14-5) @ Calgary Canucks (14-23-6)
Colin Cooper made 41 saves as the Canucks defeated the Bobcats 3-2 in a shootout.
Neither team would be able to find the back of the net in the opening frame. Shots favored the Bobcats 13-8.
The Bobcats would outscore the Canucks 2-1 in the second. Chris Seto (assist to Mitchell Brennan @6:00) blasted a shot from the point that would beat Canucks (starting) goaltender Colin Cooper. On the power play, the Bobcats would add to their lead. Patrick Geary (assists to Bryce Woodward and Austin Yaremchuk @8:42) tipped a point shot past Cooper. Josh Betinol (assists to Connor