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

October 31st, 2014

It's a busy end to the month of October as all but two teams will play on Halloween in the AJHL. The Calgary Canucks traveled to Brooks looking to snap a three game losing streak while the Bandits were going in the opposite direction having won three in a row coming into Friday's game. The Camrose Kodiaks are looking to rebound from a 4-2 loss to Whitecourt last Saturday while the Eagles earned a 3-2 win over the Mustangs on Monday. The Olds Grizzlys and Calgary Mustangs met up in Olds with both teams looking to snap losing streaks. The Mustangs have dropped their last two while the Grizzlys have lost four in a row. Okotoks opened up a three game north road trip in Whitecourt. Both teams came into the game with three game winning streaks. Grande Prairie hosted Drumheller on Friday night. The Dragons came in with a two game winning streak while the Storm have dropped two straight games. Drayton Valley traveled East to Lloydminster to battle the Bobcats. Lloydminster came in having won three straight games while the Thunder dropped a 3-1 decision to the Wolverines on Wednesday night.  Spruce Grove heads north to battle the Fort McMurray Oil Barons. The Oil Barons have lost their last two games while the Saints had a two game winning streak entering Friday's game.

Calgary Canucks (7-9-3) @ Brooks Bandits (11-5-1)
Two power play goals by the Bandits leads them to a 2-1 win over the Canucks.
The Canucks would score the lone goal of the opening period. Nolan Carothers (assist to Matthew Dykstra @9:14) would tap a centering pass between the pads of Bandits (starting) goaltender Michael Fredrick. Shots favored the Bandits 16-7 in the opening period.
Bandits would score the lone goal of the second period on the power play to tie the game. Jesse Pereira (assists to Oliver Lester and Kyler Nachtigall @14:41) riffled a shot from the right faceoff circle that would beat Canucks (starting) goaltender Colin Cooper over the blocker. Shots favored the Bandits 8-4 in the period and 24-11 in the hockey game.
The Bandits would get an early power play goal to take the game 2-1. Chase Clayton (assists to Derek Lodermeier and Jared Cockrell @1:06) wired a slap shot from the point that beat Cooper over the glove. Shots favored the Canucks 7-5 in the period. Brooks would outshoot Calgary 29-18 in the hockey game.
Both the Canucks and Bandits will take on the Mustangs in their next game. The Bandits host the Mustangs on November 1st while the Canucks travel across the city to take on the Mustangs November 3rd.

Camrose Kodiaks (13-2-2) @ Canmore Eagles (9-9-0)
Jody Sick's Hat-trick leads Kodiaks to 7-4 win over the Eagles.
The Kodiaks would score twice in the opening period. Adam deChamplain (assist to Spencer Kryczka @4:35) played the puck in front of the net, however it would bounce off Eagles (starting) goaltender Ryan Ferguson and into the net. Spencer Kryczka (assists to Adam deChamplain and Cam Gotaas @7:52) poked the loose puck into the net to give the Kodiaks a 2-0 lead. Shots favored the Kodiaks 9-8 in the period.
Both teams would get power play goals in the second period. Cole McBride (assists to TJ Brown and Danton Davis @2:33) blasted a shot from just outside the right faceoff circle that would beat Ferguson over the left pad. Kurt Hildebrand (assists to Lane Olson and Brett Schimmel @8:42) would clean up the rebound and fire the puck past Kodiaks (starting) goaltender Patrick Gora. Shots favored the Kodiaks 18-10 in the period and 27-18 in the hockey game.
Camrose and Canmore would combine for seven third period goals. Jody Sick (assist to Braeden Salverda @1:47) would get two whacks at the puck before putting the puck into the back of the net. Just 15 seconds after that Ryley Risling (assist to Joe Serpico @2:02) would score from a sharp angle to make it 4-2 Kodiaks. Jody Sick (assists to Braeden Salverda and Ryker Leer @10:38) would score his second of the night from behind the net as he banked a centering pass off an Eagle defenseman. Just six seconds after that Lane Olson (assists to Kurt Hildebrand and Brett Radford @10:44) drove the net, deked out Gora and slide the puck into the net. The Kodiaks would answer back a minute later on the power play. Stefan Danielson (assist to Cole McBride @11:44) wristed a point shot that snuck through traffic and into the net. Simon Philp (assist to Kyle Pauls @14:20) split the defence and put a shot over the blocker of Gora. The Kodiaks would cap off the scoring on the power play. Jody Sick (assist to Ryker Leer @17:01) would complete the hat-trick spinning around and firing the puck into the net. Shots favored the Kodiaks 19-9 in the period and 46-27 in the hockey game.
The Kodiaks and Eagles will meet up in Canmore on November 1st.

Calgary Mustangs (5-13-1) @ Olds Grizzlys (9-7-3)
Matthew McDonald turns away 43 of the 45 shots he faced as the Mustangs edge the Grizzlys 3-2.
The Mustangs would outscore the Grizzlys 2-1 in the opening period. Bryan Huck (assist to Cole Threndyle @5:56) kept the puck on a three on two and put a shot over the blocker of Grizzlys (starting) goaltender Jordan Piccolino. Vincent Paquette (assist to Kurtis Rutledge @8:37) walked off the right wing boards and put a shot over Piccolino's blocker. Colton Sheen (assists to Christopher Gerrie and Kodi Schwarz @13:30) took a cross ice pass and fired the puck over the blocker of Mustangs (starting) goaltender Matthew McDonald. Shots favored the Grizzlys 14-11 in the opening period.
The Grizzlys and Mustangs would exchange goals in the second period. Landon Kletke (assist to Alex Brewer and Christopher Gerrie @2:44) got McDonald going post to post the wrong way and was able to slide the puck into the net. Adam Berg (assist to Joe Mahon @11:05) finished off a two on one beating Piccolino over the blocker. Shots favored the Grizzlys 15-12 in the period and 29-23 in the hockey game.
Olds would push in the third period, but neither team was able to find the back of the net. Shots favored the Grizzlys 16-5 in the period and 45-28 in the hockey game.
The Mustangs will be in Brooks on November 1st. Olds will be in Drumheller on November 7th.

Okotoks Oilers (13-5-3) @ Whitecourt Wolverines (7-10-3)
Eric Krienke's two power play goals help the Oilers to a 3-2 win over the Wolverines.
Special teams accounted for all three goals in the first period. Whitecourt would open the scoring on the power play. Joel Kocur (assists to Brandon Switzer and Bo Pellah @2:17) would be the last Wolverine to touch the puck as the Oilers would inadvertently shoot the puck past (starting) goaltender Nic Renyard. The Oilers would answer with a power play goal of their own. Eric Krienke (assists to Rhett Gardner and Drew Weich @7:52) blasted a one-timer that beat Wolverines (starting) goaltender Pierce Dushenko. The Wolverines would retake the lead with a shorthanded goal. Morgan Messenger (assist to Dylan Thudium @14:36) redirected a cross ice pass over the pad of Renyard. Shots favored the Oilers 14-7 in the period.
Okotoks would score the lone goal in the second period. Trey Degraaf (assist to Carson Beers @13:58)redirected a pass from Beers five-hole on Dushenko. Shots favored the Wolverines 10-7 in the period. Okotoks held a 21-17 shot advantage in the hockey game.
The Oilers would score the only goal of the third period on the power play. Eric Krienke (assist to Rhett Gardner @9:18) scored his second of the game on a one-timer. Shots favored the Oilers 7-6 in the period and 28-23 in the hockey game.
Okotoks will continue their north road trip in Grande Prairie on November 1st. Whitecourt will host Drumheller on November 1st.

Drumheller Dragons (10-4-3) @ Grande Prairie Storm (7-14-0)
Curtis Skip stopped all 24 shots as the Dragons shutout the Storm 4-0.
Neither team would score in the opening period. Shots favored the Dragons 10-9.
The Dragons would strike twice in the second period. Connor Duncan (assist to Mitchell Cook @1:34) would beat Storm (starting) goaltender Adam Beukeboom over the left pad. Ryan Jevne (assists to Scot Ivey and Carson Pickett @13:53) would beat Beukeboom blocker side from just outside the left faceoff circle. Shots favored the Storm 9-6 in the period and 18-16 in the hockey game.
The Dragons would double their lead in the third period. Hunter Mills (assists to Clint Filbrandt and Ethan James @6:47) fired a shot five-hole on Beukeboom to extend the lead to three. Wyatt Noskey (assist to Jacob Schofield @16:46) stopped in the slot and snapped a shot over the glove hand of Beukeboom. Shots favored the Dragons 11-6 in the period and 27-24 in the hockey game.
Both Drumheller and Grande Prairie will return to action on November 1st. The Dragons will be in Whitecourt while the Storm host Okotoks.

Drayton Valley Thunder (8-8-2) @ Lloydminster Bobcats (11-6-1)
Devin Green stopped all 23 shots he faced as the Bobcats shutout the Thunder 2-0.
The Bobcats would get a power play goal in the opening period. Linden Springer (assists to Austin Yaremchuk and Bryce Woodward @2:44) would beat Thunder (starting) goaltender Marc-Olivier Daigle. Shots favored the Bobcats 16-5 in the opening period.
Neither team would be able to find the back of the net in the second. Shots favored the Bobcats 12-8 in the period and 28-13 in the hockey game.
The Bobcats would get a late power play goal to earn a 2-0 win. Troy Van Tetering (assists to Kevin Darrar and Linden Springer @18:36) redirected a backdoor feed passed a sprawling Daigle to make it 2-0. Shots favored the Thunder 10-8 in the period. Lloydminster held the shot edge in the game 36-23 in the hockey game.
Drayton Valley will host Drumheller on November 2nd while Lloydminster will travel to Bonnyville on November 1st.
Spruce Grove Saints (14-4-2) @ Fort McMurray Oil Barons (9-8-3)
Isaac Farrah chipped in with three assists as the Saints topped the Oil Barons 5-2.
The two teams combined for five goals in the opening period. The Oil Barons opened the scoring on the power play. Jetlan Houcher (assists to Mitchel Vanderlaan and Zach Wittenburg @6:05) flicked a puck over the blocker of Saints (starting) goaltender Brett Zarowny. Brandon Biro (assists to Jarid Hauptman and Nicolas Correale @8:25) chipped the rebound passed Oil Barons (starting) goaltender Zach Fortin. Jarid Hauptman (assist to Isaac Farrah @13:23) got behind the defence and beat Fortin five-hole. The Saints would add to their lead on the power play. Nicolas Correale (assists to Isaac Farrah and Brandon Biro @16:23) tipped the point shot from Biro into the net. Brett McNeil (assist to Jackson McKinstry and Jetlan Houcher @19:01) blasted a slap shot from the right faceoff circle. Shots favored the Saints 21-7 in the period.
Neither team would be able to find the back of the net in the second period. Shots favored the Oil Barons 11-7 in the period. Spruce Grove held the shot edge 28-18 in the hockey game.
The Saints would add two late goals to pick up a 5-2 win. Riley Simpson (assist to Paul Lovsin @17:59) took a cross ice pass and made no mistake putting a shot over the left pad of Fortin. Travis McEvoy (assist to Isaac Farrah @18:33) put a shot from the right faceoff circle into the empty net. Shots favored the Oil Barons 9-5 in the period. The Saints would outshoot the Oil Barons 33-27 in the hockey game.
The Saints and Oil Barons will play each other again on November 1st.

Story by Chris Colwell
@Cjcolwell


October 29th, 2014

Four north division rivals met up on Wednesday night in the AJHL. Lloydminster looked to build on their two game winning streak as they traveled to Sherwood Park. The Crusaders came into Wednesday's game looking to rebound from a 4-1 loss to Spruce Grove on Sunday. Whitecourt was looking to build on their two game winning streak as they hosted Drayton Valley. The Thunder game into Wednesday's game looking to build on their 8-4 win over the Mustangs on Sunday.

Lloydminster Bobcats (10-6-1) @ Sherwood Park Crusaders (11-8-1)
Austin Yaremchuk scores late in overtime as the Bobcats edge the Crusaders 2-1.
The Crusaders would score the lone goal of the opening period. Brett Van Os (assist to Tanner Laderoute @18:37) wired a shot from the right faceoff circle over the glove of Bobcats (starting) goaltender Ryan Ternes. Shots favored the Bobcats 9-6 in the period.
Neither team would be able to find the back of the net in the second period. The Bobcats would once again outshoot the Crusaders 9-5 in the period and 18-11 in the hockey game.
The Bobcats would score the lone goal of the period to send the game to overtime. Brett Everson (assist to Zac Giroux @2:11) on a wrap around would put the puck over the blocker of Crusaders(starting) goaltender Zac Klassen. Shots favored the Bobcats 12-6 in the period and 30-17 in the hockey game.
It had taken nearly all of overtime before the Bobcats were able to end the game. Austin Yaremchuk (assist to Kevin Darrar @4:04) finishes off a two on one beating Klassen over the glove. Shots favored the Crusaders 2-1 in overtime. The Bobcats held the shot edge in the hockey game 31-19.
Lloydminster will host Drayton Valley on October 31st. Sherwood Park is back in action on November 2nd when they host the Okotoks Oilers.

Drayton Valley Thunder (8-7-2) @ Whitecourt Wolverines (6-10-3)
Brandon Switzer and Joel Kocur each score once and add an assist as the Wolverines defeat the Thunder 3-1.
Neither team would score in a very evenly played first period. Shots were even 7-7.
All the scoring in the hockey game came in the second period. Joel Kocur (assists to Brandon Switzer and John Mullally @6:53) finished off a two on one beating Thunder (starting) goaltender Garrett Mason. Joseph Nardi (assists to Taden Rattie and Ryan McKinnon @8:08) would clean up the rebound to extend the Wolverines lead. Just a minute later the Thunder would get on the board. Jason Miller (assist to Braden Jakubowski @9:08) would bang the rebound past Wolverines (starting) goaltender Tanner McCorriston. The Wolverines would respond later in the period. Brandon Switzer (assist to Joel Kocur and Jordan Davies @14:47) would whack the rebound into the back of the net. Shots favored the Wolverines 13-6 in the period and 20-13 in the hockey game.
Drayton Valley would push in the third period, but neither team would be able to find the back of the net. Shots favored the Thunder 11-5 in the period. Whitecourt would outshoot Drayton Valley 25-24 in the hockey game.
Drayton Valley and Whitecourt will both return to action on October 31st. The Thunder will travel to Lloydminster to wrap up their four game road trip. The Wolverines will continue their three game home stand against the Okotoks Oilers.


October 28th, 2014

Just one game in the Alberta Junior Hockey League on Tuesday night. The Okotoks Oilers paid a visit to the Calgary Canucks. The Oilers entered into Tuesday's game on a two game winning streak while the Canucks have lost two straight.

Okotoks Oilers (12-5-3) @ Calgary Canucks (7-8-3)
Nic Renyard turned away all 27 shots as the Oilers shutout the Canucks 4-0.
The Oilers would score the lone goal of the opening period on the power play. Frankie Spellman (assists to Tanner Ockey and Matt McNair @9:28) shot deflected off a Canucks defender and past (starting) goaltender Malcolm Walilko. Shots favored the Oilers 5-3.
The Oilers would extend their lead with the lone goal of the second period. Matt McNair (unassisted @14:04) took advantage of a giveaway and would deke out Walilko and backhand the puck into an empty net. Shots favored the Canucks 19-6 in the period and 22-11 in the hockey game.
The Oilers would double their lead in the third period.  Tanner Ockey (assists to Mitch Collett and Rhett Gardner @8:46) walked off the left wing boards, turned and fired a shot low blocker side on Walilko. Kelton Driedger (assist to Kevin Jenken @14:25) put a shot on goal that would beat Walilko five-hole. Shots favored the Oilers 24-5 in the period and 35-27 in the hockey game.
Both the Oilers and Canucks will be in action on October 31st. The Oilers will continue their four game road trip in Whitecourt while the Canucks will be in Brooks.


October 27th, 2014

Just one game on the AJHL ice on Monday night. The Canmore Eagles paid a visit to Calgary to battle the Mustangs. Canmore entered Monday's game having lost two in a row. Calgary dropped their last game on Sunday 8-4 to Drayton Valley and were looking to rebound.

Canmore Eagles (8-9-0) @ Calgary Mustangs (5-13-0)
Kevin Wolf scored once and added an assist as the Eagles edged the Mustangs 5-4 in overtime.
The Eagles would outscore the Mustangs 2-1 in the opening period. Connor Wilson (assists to Kevin Wolf and Jeremy Gordon @9:55) kept the puck on a three on one and beat Mustangs (starting) goaltender Ravi Dattani. Zach McNeill (assist to Joe Mahon @12:19) got behind the Eagles defence and beat (starting) goaltender Ryan Ferguson. The Eagles would retake the lead shorthanded as Simon Philp (unassisted @17:55) would avoid the poke check from Dattani and backhand into the net. Shots favored the Eagles 11-6 in the opening period.
Both teams would get goals in the second period. Kevin Wolf (assists to Kyle Pauls and Logan Ferguson @5:37) would blast a shot from the point that would beat Dattani blocker side. Bryan Huck (assist to Cole Threndyle @14:02) broke in on the right side and put a shot over the blocker of Ferguson. Shots favored the Eagles 14-12 in the period and 25-18 in the hockey game.
The Mustangs would outscore the Eagles 2-1 in the third period to force overtime. Kylor Wall (assist to Cole Threndyle @5:16) kept the puck onside and blasted a shot over the blocker of Ferguson to tie the game. Joe Mahon (assist to Jared Virtanen @11:56) would get a gift at the side of the net and make no mistake putting the puck into an empty net. The Eagles would tie the game less than two minutes after that on the power play. Jordan Revie (assists to Ryley Risling and Griffen Mumby @13:46) cleaned up the rebound to tie the game 4-4. Shots favored the Mustangs 13-11 in the period. Canmore held the shot edge 36-31 in the hockey game.
Overtime would last just over two minutes. Kurt Hildebrand (assist to Joe Serpico @2:13) would find the loose puck at the side of the net and slapped a shot five-hole on Dattani. Shots favored the Eagles 2-1 in overtime and 38-32 in the hockey game.
Canmore and Calgary will both return to action on October 31st. The Eagles will host Camrose while the Mustangs will be in Olds.

Story by Chris Colwell
@Cjcolwell


October 26th, 2014

Three games were played on Sunday afternoon in the AJHL. The Spruce Grove will travel to Sherwood Park to battle the Crusaders. The Saints were looking to build off their 6-0 win over Grande Prairie on Saturday. The Crusaders came into the game with a four game winning streak. Drayton Valley continued their road trip in Calgary taking on the Mustangs. The Thunder were looking to snap a two game losing streak while the Mustangs were looking to build on their two game winning streak. Bonnyville will wrap up their four game south road trip in Okotoks. The Pontiacs are looking to build off their 5-2 victory over Canmore on Saturday night. Okotoks is looking to build off a 2-1 win over Canmore on Friday night.

Spruce Grove Saints (13-4-2) @ Sherwood Park Crusaders (11-7-1)
Paul Lovsin and Nicols Correale each had two points as the Saints defeated the Crusaders 4-1.
The Crusaders and Saints each scored once in the first period. Cameron Brezinski (unassisted @10:03) would tuck the puck into the net on a wrap around, catching Saints (starting) goaltender Brett Zarowny cheating off the post. Jordan Thomas (assists to Nicolas Correale and Paul Lovsin @13:14) one-timed a shot five-hole on Crusaders (starting) goaltender Tommy Nixon. Shots favored the Crusaders 7-4 in the opening period.
The Saints would score the lone goal of the second period on the power play. Paker Mackay (assists to Riley Simpson and Jake Mykitiuk @17:36) put a one-timer over Nixon's shoulder. Shots favored the Saints 7-6 in the period. The Crusaders held the shot edge 13-11 in the hockey game.
The Saints would add two more goals in the third period to earn a 4-1 victory. Taylor Lotoski (unassisted @1:59) earned a goal when the Crusaders miss played the puck off the faceoff circle and put the puck into their goal. Paul Lovsin (assists to Nicolas Correale and Josh Harris @13:51) poked in the rebound after Correale's shot was stopped. Shots were even 6-6 in the period. The Crusaders held the shot edge 19-17 in the hockey game.
The Saints will travel to Fort McMurray on October 31st. The Crusaders will host Lloydminster on October 29th.

Drayton Valley Thunder (7-7-2) @ Calgary Mustangs (5-12-0)
Jamie Waddington, Brayden Harris and Hayden Dawes each had three points as the Thunder doubled up the Mustangs 8-4.
The Thunder would strike with a pair of power play goals in the opening period. Hayden Dawes (assists to Trevor Poirier and Jamie Waddington @6:44) wristed a shot from the right faceoff circle over the glove of Mustangs (starting) goaltender Ravi Dattani. Braden Jakubowski (assists to Luke Orysiuk and Brayden Harris @8:26) completed a tic-tac-toe backdoor feed to give the Thunder a 2-0 lead. Shots favored the Thunder 11-6 in the first period.
The Thunder would double their lead in the second period. Trevor Poirier (assists to Brett Smythe and Jordan Taupert @1:31) would pick the inside post from the slot. Brayden Harris (assists to Michael Cardinal and Jacob Wachowicz @4:23) would pull a toe drag from the left faceoff circle and go top shelf to make it 4-0. Jamie Waddington (assists to Hayden Dawes and Jason Miller @10:27) would backhand a shot five-hole on Dattani to make it 5-0. That would be the end of the afternoon for Dattani, who gave up five goals on 20 shots. The Mustangs would get on the board with a power play goal. Adam Berg (assists to Chandler Irvin and Joe Mahon @17:00) jammed the puck past Thunder (starting) goaltender Garret Mason to make it 5-1. Shots favored the Thunder 19-11 in the period and 30-17 in the hockey game.
The Mustangs and Thunder would each score three times in the third period. Matt McNeil (assist to Jason Miller @1:56) would wire a shot blocker side on Mustangs (backup) goaltender Matthew McDonald. Chandler Irvin (assists to Sean Davies and Adam Berg @11:02) wired a shot from the left faceoff circle that beat Mason over the glove. Just 20 seconds after that Scott Salberg (assists to Vincent Paquette and Darian Skeoch @11:22) would backhand a shot over the glove of Mason to cut the lead to 6-3. A mere 44 seconds after that Braden Jakubowski (assists to Michael Cardinal and Brayden Harris @12:06) slammed home the rebound to make it 7-3. Adam Berg (assists to Jared Virtanen and Joe Mahon @13:18) jammed the puck in on a goal mouth scramble to make it 7-4. The Thunder would cap off the scoring on the power play. Jamie Waddington (assist to Hayden Dawes @18:33) would tip a shot over McDonald's glove and into the net. Shots favored the Thunder 13-12 in the period and 43-29 in the hockey game.
The Thunder will travel to Whitecourt on October 29th. The Mustangs will wrap up their three game home stand on October 27th against the Canmore Eagles.

Bonnyville Pontiacs (8-6-4) @ Okotoks Oilers (11-5-3)
Eric Krienke scored once and added two assists as the Oilers edged the Pontiacs 4-3 in overtime.
Okotoks outscores Bonnyville 2-1 in the opening period. Drew Weich (assists to Mitch Collett and Eric Krienke @0:38) snuck in from the point and hammered a shot behind Pontiacs (starting) goaltender Joey Desrosiers. Matt McNair (assists to Kelton Driedger and Frankie Spellman @5:11) would go forehand to backhand and slide the puck into the net. Ryan Black (unassisted @14:27) blasted a shot from just inside the blue line that beat Oilers (starting) goaltender Riley Morris. Shots favored the Oilers 7-6 in the opening period.
The Pontiacs would score the lone goal of the second period. Adam Wilson (unassisted @8:09) picked a pass off and buried a shot five-hole on Morris. Shots favored the Pontiacs 8-7 in the period and were even 14-14 in the hockey game.
The two teams would exchange goals in the third period. Eric Krienke (assists to Mitch Collett and Rhett Gardner @15:58) wristed a shot from the point that would beat Desrosiers. Kyler Hehn (assists to Ryan Symington and Adam Wilson @18:16) got a centering pass and flipped the puck into the back of the net. Shots were even 7-7 in the period and 21-21 in the hockey game.
Overtime would last just 52 seconds before the Oilers were able to earn the victory. Rhett Gardner (assists to Eric Krienke and Tucker Bender @0:52) backhanded a shot off the post and in to ensure the Oilers win. Shots favored the Oilers 1-0 in overtime and 22-21 in the hockey game.
Bonnyville will host Lloydminster on November 1st. Okotoks will be in Calgary to take on the Canucks on October 28th.


October 25th, 2014

It was a busy Saturday night in the AJHL that had 12 teams in action. Bonnyville continued their four game road trip in Canmore. The Pontiacs had lost four straight coming into the game while the Eagles were looking to bounce back from a 2-1 setback to Okotoks on Friday. Whitecourt traveled east to take on Camrose. The Wolverines were looking to build off their 4-1 win over Grande Prairie on Friday night while the Kodiaks came into the game with a three game winning streak. Brooks was in Olds to tangle with the Grizzlys for the second time this season. The Bandits came in with a two game winning streak while the Grizzlys entered the game looking to snap a three game losing streak. Grande Prairie continued their road trip in Spruce Grove. The Storm were looking to rebound from a 4-1 loss to Whitecourt on Friday while the Saints were looking to bounce back from a 5-4 loss to Drayton Valley on Tuesday. Speaking of Drayton Valley they are in Drumheller to open up a two game south road trip. The Thunder are looking to rebound from a 4-3 overtime loss to the Crusaders on Thursday while Drumheller came in looking for their second straight win. Fort McMurray and Lloydminster will meet up for a second straight night in Lloydminster. The Bobcats defeated the Oil Barons 3-0 on Friday night.

Bonnyville Pontiacs (7-6-4) @ Canmore Eagles (8-8-0)
Mitch Fritz scores once and adds two assists as the Pontiacs defeat the Eagles 5-2.
The Pontiacs and Eagles exchanged first period goals. Ryley Risling (assists to Jeremy Gordon and Logan Ferguson @4:21) beat Pontiacs (starting) goaltender Joey Desrosiers. Cory Santoro (assists to Mitch Fritz and Alden Dupuis @18:01) finished off a two on one breakaway beating Eagles (starting) goaltender Levi Nelson. Shots favored the Pontiacs 17-14 in the period.
Once again the Eagles and Pontiacs would exchange goals in the second period. The two teams would be sent to the dressing room after Eagles goaltender Levi Nelson got injured early in the second period. Once the play got back underway, the Pontiacs would take the lead. Ryan Symington (assists to Adam Wilson and Brinson Pasichnuk @12:17) put a shot towards the net that would handcuff Eagles (backup) goaltender Ryan Ferguson. The Eagles would answer on the power play. Griffin Mumby (assists to Jordan Revie and Connor Wilson @18:07) redirected a point shot from Revie to tie the game. Shots favored the Pontiacs 10-7 in the period and 27-21 in the hockey game.
The Pontiacs scored three times in the third period to pick up a 5-2 victory. Mitch Fritz (assists to Cory Santoro and Alden Dupuis @1:27) would backhand a shot under the pad of Ferguson. Cory Santoro (assists to Mitch Fritz and Alden Dupuis @12:11) one-timed a shot over a diving Ferguson to give the Pontiacs a two goal lead. Just over a minute later Chad Hurtubise (assist to Mark Zvonkovic @13:22) would get a breakaway and beat Ferguson over the blocker. Shots favored the Pontiacs 17-11 in the period and 44-32 in the hockey game.
Bonnyville will wrap up their four game road trip in Okotoks on October 26th. Canmore will be in Calgary to battle the Mustangs on October 27th.

Whitecourt Wolverines (5-10-3) @ Camrose Kodiaks (13-1-2)
John Mullally's hat trick leads Wolverines to 4-2 victory over the Kodiaks.
The Wolverines and Kodiaks would exchange first period goals. The Kodiaks opened the scoring while shorthanded Adam Wheeldon (unassisted @12:51) off a turnover would beat Wolverines (starting) goaltender Tanner McCorriston over the glove. Taden Rattie (assists to Joseph Nardi and Ben Fonteyne @14:19) would beat Kodiaks (starting) goaltender Patrick Gora over the shoulder to tie the game. Shots favored the Wolverines 13-12 in the period.
Once again the Kodiaks and Wolverines would exchange goals. John Mullally (assist to Kellan Corneils @13:56) broke into the offensive zone on the right side and snapped a shot five-hole on Gora. The Kodiaks would answer with a power play goal. Jody Sick (assists to Braeden Salverda and Patrick Gora @15:27) from the slot would beat McCorriston blocker side to tie the game. Shots favored the Kodiaks 5-4 in the period and were even at 17-17 in the hockey game.
The Wolverines would score twice in the third period to earn a 4-2 victory. John Mullally (assists to Brandon Switzer and Joel Kocur @10:28) beat Gora on the short side from the left faceoff circle. With the power play, the Wolverines would cap off the scoring into an empty net as John Mullally (unassisted @19:44) completed the hat trick from just inside the blue line. Shots favored the Kodiaks 13-10 in the period and 30-27 in the hockey game.
Whitecourt will host Drayton Valley on October 29th. Camrose will be back in action October 31st in Canmore.

Brooks Bandits (10-5-1) @ Olds Grizzlys (9-6-3)
Josh Davies turned away all 32 shots as the Bandits shutout the Grizzlys 2-0.
The Bandits would score the lone goal of the opening period. Jared Cockrell (assists to Chase Clayton and Austin Plevy @3:03) redirected a centering pass five-hole on Grizzlys (starting) goaltender Jordan Piccolino. Shots favored the Grizzlys 13-10 in the period.
The Bandits would extend their lead in the second period. Mark Logan (assists to Alex Roberts and Shane Switzer @11:27) got a friendly bounce off the end boards and quickly snapped the puck into the back of the goal. Shots favored the Bandits 18-12 in the period and 28-25 in the hockey game.
Neither team was able to score in the third period. Shots were even 7-7 in the period. Brooks would outshoot the Grizzlys 35-32 in the hockey game.
Brooks will host the Calgary Canucks on October 31st. The Grizzlys will also be back in action on October 31st against the Calgary Mustangs.

Grande Prairie Storm (7-13-0) @ Spruce Grove Saints (12-4-2)
Cole Nicholson had three assists as the Saints shutout the Storm 6-0.
The Saints struck for three goals in the opening period.  The Saints would open the scoring on the power play. Austin Hunter (assists to Paul Lovsin and Macklin Pichonsky @4:50) completed a backdoor feed, beating Storm (starting) goaltender Liam McLeod. Taylor Lotoski (assists to Jarid Hauptman and Jordan Thomas @16:30) followed up on a rebound to make it 2-0. Nicolas Correale (assists to Colton Leiter and Conner Lukan @18:56) deflected a point shot from Leiter that beat McLeod five-hole. Shots favored the Saints 10-2 in the period.
The Saints would double their lead in the second period. Josh Harris (assists to Cole Nicholson and Parker Mackay @7:30) poked the rebound into the back of the net. Austin Hunter (assists to Cole Nicholson and Graydon Smith @13:35) would score his second of the night with a point shot over the blocker of McLeod. Brandon Biro (assists to Colton Leiter and Cole Nicholson @19:05) from just inside the blue line put a shot over McLeod's blocker to make it 6-0. Shots favored the Saints 13-6 in the period and 23-8 in the hockey game.
Neither team would score in the third period.  Shots favored the Saints 15-7 in the period and 38-15 in the hockey game.
The Storm will host Drumheller on October 31st while the Saints will be in Sherwood Park on October 26th for their next games.

Drayton Valley Thunder (7-6-2) @ Drumheller Dragons (9-4-3)
Jonny Hogue makes 30 saves as the Dragons shutout the Thunder 4-0.
The Dragons would score the lone goal of the opening period. Hunter Mills (assists to Cody Fiala and Ethan James @9:27) put a shot from the right faceoff circle over the blocker of Thunder (starting) goaltender Marc-Olivier Daigle.  Shots favored the Dragons 11-8.
Drumheller would score twice in the second period t extend their lead. Jacob Schofield (assists to Ethan James and Ryan Suchorab @3:19) would backhand a shot under the pad of Daigle. Mitchell Cook (assists to Ethan James and Cody Fiala @15:38) beat Daigle five-hole to make it 3-0. Shots favored the Thunder 15-6 in the period and 23-17 in the hockey game.
Dragons score the lone goal of the third period. Ryan Jevne (assists to Stefan Freter and Scott Ivey @1:37) hammered a slap shot over the glove hand of Daigle to make it 4-0. Shots favored the Thunder 7-6 in the period and 30-23 in the hockey game.
Drayton Valley will wrap up their two game south road trip on October 26th in Calgary against the Mustangs. Drumheller will travel north to take on Grande Prairie on October 31st.

Fort McMurray Oil Barons (9-8-2) @ Lloydminster Bobcats (9-6-1)
Tyler Kunz scored twice (including the game winner) and added an assist as the Bobcats defeated the Oil Barons 5-4 in overtime.
Lloydminster would outscore the Oil Barons 2-1 in the opening frame.  The Bobcats opened the scoring on the power play. Tyler Kunz (assists to Kevin Darrar and Mitchell Brennan @3:43) hammered a one-time from the top of the right faceoff circle that beat Oil Barons (starting) goaltender Zach Fortin. The Oil Barons would answer with a power play goal of their own. Mark Drohan (assist to Brett McNeil @6:36) wired a wrist shot from the top of the left faceoff circle over Bobcats (starting) goaltender Devin Green. Kevin Darrar (assists to Taylo Mulder and Linden Springer @12:47) on a breakaway backhanded a shot over the pad of Fortin. Shots favored the Bobcats 14-4 in the first period.
Fort McMurray would score the lone goal of the period to tie the game at 2-2. Zach Wittenburg (assists to Jetlan Houcher and Mitchell Vanderlaan @6:33) snuck in from the point and put a shot over the glove of Green. Shots favored the Oil Barons 12-10 in the period. Lloydminster held the shot edge in the hockey game 24-16.
Bobcats and Oil Barons each score twice in the third period. Adam Durkee (assist to Austin Holmes @7:04) got a shot at an empty net after Green was taken out trying to play the puck. The Oil Barons would add to their lead on the power play. Adam Durkee (assists to Austin Holmes and Taylor Lileikis @10:35) scored his second of the night on the rebound. Eric Therrien (assists to Lukas Biensch and Brett Everson @14:07) backhanded a shot five-hole on Fortin to get the Bobcats within one. With the extra attacker, the Bobcats would tie the game. Linden Springer (assists to Tyler Kunz and Bryce Woodward @19:22) fired a shot from the point through a maze of bodies and into the net to tie the game. Shots favored the Oil Barons 10-8 in the period. The Bobcats held the shot edge 32-26 in the hockey game.
Lloydminster scores the winner midway through overtime. Tyler Kunz (assists to Troy Rapuano and Linden Springer @2:52) would stuff the rebound into the net to give the Bobcats the win. Shots favored the Bobcats 5-1 in overtime and 37-27 in the hockey game.
Fort McMurray will host Spruce Grove on October 31st. Lloydminster will be in Sherwood Park on October 29th.

Story by Chris Colwell
@Cjcolwell


October 24th, 2014

Four interdivisional matchups were played in the AJHL on Friday night. The Calgary Canucks travel to Camrose to battle the Kodiaks. The Kodiaks entered into the game looking to build on a two game winning streak while the Canucks were looking to rebound from a 6-2 loss to the Mustangs on Tuesday. The Canmore Eagles were in Okotoks to battle the Oilers. The Eagles are looking to build off their 3-2 shootout victory over the Grizzlys last Saturday. Okotoks is looking to rebound from a 2-1 shootout loss to the Saints last Saturday. Grande Prairie will travel to Whitecourt for the back half of a home and home. The Storm have won two in a row including a 4-3 overtime win over Whitecourt on Wednesday. The Wolverines are looking to rebound from that overtime loss and earn their first win of the season against the Storm. Fort McMurray heads south to take on the Lloydminster Bobcats for a pair of games. The Oil Barons are looking to build off their 2-0 shutout of the Mustangs last Saturday while the Bobcats fell 2-1 to the Grizzlys last Saturday in their last game.

Calgary Canucks (7-8-2) @ Camrose Kodiaks (12-1-2)
Stefan Danielson completes Kodiaks comeback as they edge the Canucks 4-3 in overtime.
The Kodiaks would score the lone goal of the opening period. Adam deChamplain (assists to Scott Ferguson and Cam Gotaas @3:57) would get a gift when Canucks (starting) goaltender Colin Cooper got caught out of position and leave a wide open net. Shots favored the Kodiaks 13-7 in the opening period.
The Canucks would tie the game with a power play goal in the second period. A goal mouth scramble at the top of the crease was finished off by Nolan Carothers (assists to Logan Franz and Tyler Benko @5:34) beating Kodiaks (starting) goaltender Devin McDonald. Shots favored the Kodiaks 12-8 in the period and 25-15 in the hockey game.
Both teams would score twice in the third period. Matthew Dykstra (unassisted @6:46) centered a pass from behind the goal that would bounce off a Kodiak defenseman and into the net. Brandon Benson (assist to Owen Johnson @12:18) kept the puck on a two on none and beat McDonald over the glove. Braeden Salverda (assists to Jody Sick and Trevor Costello @16:26) cleaned up the rebound and shoveled the puck into the net. Just over a minute later Trevor Costello (assists to Ryker Leer and Scott Ferguson @17:31) snuck in from the point and snapped a shot over the glove of Cooper to tie the game. Shots favored the Canucks 12-11 in the period. The Kodiaks held a 36-27 shot edge.
Overtime would only last two minutes before the Kodiaks were able to claim the victory. Stefan Danielson (assist to Cole McBride @1:55) walked in front of the net and shoveled the puck five-hole on Cooper. Shots favored the Kodiaks 3-0 in overtime and 39-27 in the hockey game.
The Canucks will return home on October 28th to host the Okotoks Oilers. Camrose will host Whitecourt on October 25th.

Canmore Eagles (8-7-0) @ Okotoks Oilers (10-5-3)
Nic Renyard turns away 30 shots as the Oilers edged the Eagles 2-1.
The Eagles and Oilers would exchange first period goals. Ryley Risling (assists to Brett Schimmel and Matt Forchuk @3:51) would redirect a point shot from Schimmel that beat Oilers (stating) goaltender Nic Renyard. Connor Chambers (unassisted @10:39) took the puck from the left faceoff circle and backhanded a shot five-hole on Eagles (starting) goaltender Levi Nelson. Shots favored the Oilers 12-7 in the period.
The Oilers would score the only goal in the second period. Eric Krienke (assists to Mitch Collet and Drew Weich @13:59) finished off a two on one snapping a shot over the blocker of Nelson. Shots favored the Eagles 13-10 in the period. Okotoks held the shot edge 22-20 in the hockey game.
Neither team would be able to score in the third period. Shots favored the Eagles 11-9 in the period; shots were even 31-31 in the hockey game.
Canmore will return to action on October 25th when they host the Bonnyville Pontiacs. Okotoks will host Bonnyville on October 26th.

Grande Prairie Storm (7-12-0) @ Whitecourt Wolverines (4-10-3)
Brandon Switzer scores once and adds a helper as the Wolverines defeat the Storm 4-1.
The Wolverines would score the lone goal of the opening period on the power play. Joel Kocur (assists to John Mullally and Jordan Davies @10:20) finished off the back door feed beating Storm (starting) goaltender Liam McLeod. Shots favored the Wolverines 11-6 in the opening period.
Both teams would get even strength goals in the second period. Ian McLellan (assist to Jade McMullen @5:01) put a shot on goal from the top of the slot that would beat Wolverines (starting) goaltender Tanner McCorriston. Trace Elson (assists to Brandon Switzer and James Vermeulen @14:44) blasted a one-timer into the back of the net to restore the Wolverines lead. Shots favored the Storm 12-9 in the period. The Wolverines held the shot edge 20-18 in the hockey game.
Two empty net goals by the Wolverines ensured them a 4-1 win. Romano Morrison (assist to Morgan Messenger @18:23) got the first empty net goal driving a shot from just inside his blue line. Brandon Switzer (unassisted @19:33) finished off the scoring as he tucked the puck into the empty net to make it 4-1. Both teams had 13 shots in the period. The Wolverines would outshoot the Storm 33-31 in the hockey game.
Grande Prairie and Whitecourt will both return to action on October 25th. The Storm will be Spruce Grove while the Wolverines will be in Camrose.

Fort McMurray Oil Barons (9-7-2) @ Lloydminster Bobcats (8-6-1)
Devin Green makes 19 saves as the Bobcats shutout the Oil Barons 3-0.
The Bobcats would score the lone goal of the opening period on the power play. Lukas Biensch (assists to Eric Therrien and Linden Springer @10:00) would put a shot from the left faceoff circle towards the net that beat Oil Barons (starting) goaltender Zach Fortin five-hole. Shots favored the Bobcats 10-7 in the opening period.
The Bobcats would add two more goals in the second period to extend their lead. Kevin Darrar (assists to Taylor Mulder and Mitchell Brennan @5:47) wired a shot from the slot that beat Fortin under the arm. Linden Springer (assists to Lukas Biensch and Tyler Kunz @19:05) wristed a long shot that would beat Fortin over the blocker. Shots favored the Bobcats 14-5 in the period and 24-12 in the hockey game.
Neither team was able to score in the third period. Shots favored the Oil Barons 7-6 in the period. The Bobcats would outshoot the Oil Barons 30-19 in the hockey game.
The Bobcats will host the Oil Barons on October 25th in a rematch of Friday nights game.

Story by Chris Colwell
@Cjcolwell


October 23rd, 2014

Six teams hit the ice on Thursday night in the AJHL including the Dragons and Grizzlys in Hanna, Alberta. The Grizzlys entered into Thursday's game looking to snap a two game losing streak while the Dragons were looking to rebound from a 2-1 loss to the Grande Prairie Storm on Sunday. The Bonnyville Pontiacs continued their south division road trip in Calgary. The Pontiacs were looking to snap a three game losing streak while the Mustangs were looking to build off Tuesday's 6-2 win over the Canucks. The Sherwood Park Crusaders paid a visit to Drayton Valley. The Crusaders entered Thursday's game with a three game winning streak while the Thunder were looking to build off a 5-4 win over the Spruce Grove Saints on Sunday.

Olds Grizzlys (9-5-3) @ Drumheller Dragons (8-4-3) game played in Hanna, Alberta
Jonny Hogue made 25 saves as the Dragons shutout the Grizzlys 4-0.
The Dragons would score the first two goals of the game. The Dragons would open the scoring on the power play as Connor Duncan (assists to Clint Filbrandt and Ryan Jevne @11:25) was able to beat Grizzlys (starting) goaltender Jordan Piccolino. Just 58 seconds after that Hunter Mills (assists to Connor Duncan and Jacob Schofield @12:23) would extend the Dragons lead to 2-0. Shots favored the Dragons 10-5 in the opening period.
Drumheller would score the lone goal of the second period to extend their lead. Hunter Mills (assists to Ethan James and Jacob Schofield @1:34) would bury his second of the night to give the Dragons a 3-0 lead. Shots favored the Grizzlys 10-7 in the period. Drumheller held the shot edge 17-15 in the hockey game.
The Dragons would add a little salt to the wound late in the third period. Connor Duncan (assists to Ethan James and Wyatt Noskey @14:55) would score his second power play goal of the game to make the final 4-0 Dragons. Shots favored the Grizzlys 10-6 in the period and 25-23 in the hockey game.
Both the Grizzilys and Dragons will return to action on October 25th. The Grizzlys will host the Bandits while Dragons will host the Drayton Valley Thunder.

Bonnyville Pontiacs (7-6-3) @ Calgary Mustangs (4-12-0)
Scott Salberg and Mason Mitchell each scored twice as the Mustangs edged the Pontiacs 5-4 in overtime.
The Mustangs would score the lone goal of the opening period. Scott Salberg (assists to Connor Hamilton and Vincent Paquette @8:06) was left all alone in front of the net and beat Pontiacs (starting) goaltender Reid Kilburn. Shots favored the Pontiacs 10-5 in the opening period.
Pontiacs score twice late in the period to tie the game at 2-2. Ryan Rebelato (unassisted @3:46) gathered the puck at center ice and walked to the left faceoff circle and put a shot over Kilburn's glove. Bobby McMann (assists to Brady Bakke @11:19) kept the puck on a two on one and beat Mustangs (starting) goaltender Ravi Dattani five-hole. Brinson Pasichnuk (assists to Gen Bryshun and Bobby McMann @19:17) would find the loose puck and chip it over Dattani to tie the game at 2-2. Shots favored the Pontiacs 12-11 in the period and 22-16 in the hockey game.
The Pontiacs and Mustangs would each score twice in the third period. Mitch Fritz (unassisted @11:34) would bang in the rebound to give the Pontiacs the lead. While playing four on four Mason Mitchell (unassisted @14:05) would gain possession of the puck, go in on a breakaway and slide the puck under the pad of Kilburn. Scott Salberg (assist to Connor Hamilton @17:19) would score his second of the night when he redirected a centering pass from Hamilton into the net. Dillan McCombie (assist to Mitch Fritz @18:46) took a cross ice pass and ripped a one-timer short side on Dattani to tie the game. Shots favored the Pontiacs 17-14 in the period and 39-30 in the hockey game.
The Mustangs would score the overtime winner. Mason Mitchell (assist to Vincent Paquette @3:10) had his original shot blocked, before he was able to put his second of the night into the back of the net. Shots favoured the Mustangs 4-3 in overtime. The Pontiacs would outshoot the Mustangs 42-34 in the hockey game.
The Pontiacs will continue their four game road trip in Canmore on October 25th. The Mustangs will host the Drayton Valley Thunder on October 26th.

Sherwood Park Crusaders (10-7-1) @ Drayton Valley Thunder (7-6-1)
Cole Gammer scored the shootout winner as the Crusaders come from behind to defeat the Thunder 4-3.
Neither team would score in the opening period. Shots favored the Thunder 13-12 in the opening period.
Just like the opening period neither team would score in the second period. Shots favored the Thunder 16-13 in the period and 29-25 in the hockey game.
Both teams would score three times in the third period. The Thunder would strike first on the power play. Brett Smythe (assist to Trevor Poirier @4:50) would beat Crusaders (starting) goaltender Tommy Nixon on a backdoor feed snap shot. Braden Jakubowski (assist to Brayden Harris @16:56) would take advantage of a miscue by Nixon and put the puck into an open goal. Just 32 seconds after that Brett Smythe (assists to Luke Orysiuk and Joseph Tambasco @17:28) connects on a power play goal with a backdoor feed. Cue the comeback for the Crusaders as they would score three times in the next 1:22 to tie the game. 35 seconds after the third Thunder goal Reid Bosse (assists to Cole Gammer and Cameron Brezinski @18:03) put a shot towards the net that would beat Thunder (starting) goaltender Garrett Mason. A mere 37 seconds after that Cameron Brezinski (assists to Dane Phaneuf and Arthur Gordon @18:40) would tip a point shot from Phaneuf that would find its way into the net. Just 45 seconds after that Cameron Brezinski (assists to Ryan Kruper and Dane Phaneuf @19:25) would score his second of the night to tie the game at 3-3 as he would ba