Pontiacs Split Opening Games of AJHL Round 1 Playoffs

Two Low Scoring Games lead to an even series

The Bonnyville Pontiacs and Sherwood Park Crusaders met on back to back nights, Thursday and Friday. Games 1 and 2 of the AJHL first round playoffs ended in a 2-1 score. Sherwood Park took Thursday’s game while Bonnyville left the home fans happy Friday night with a victory.

There were also special events before each game. On Thursday night, the Pontiacs first captain in organization history, Mike German, dropped the puck. Friday night was Jon Kalinski jersey retirement night. Kalinski played for the Pontiacs between 2003-2005.

“It felt good to be here. It brings back a lot of memories.” Mike German said after dropping the ceremonial puck.

Pontiacs vs Crusaders

Game 1 saw the Pontiacs pile up 44 shots on net.  The Crusaders would strike twice in the second period, and once on the powerplay. Cameron Reagen and Ben McLeod tallied the goals for Sherwood Park. Half way through the third period the Pontiacs would solve Brandon Vogel. PJ Morrocco scored the goal bring it within one. Bonnyville would be unable to muster any further offense and the game would end 2-1 in favour of the Crusaders.

Game two was more of the same for the Pontiacs. They once more tallied 40 shots on net. The first period would start positively for the Yaks as Brendan Holterhus scored the opening goal 8:54 into the game. In the second, Tyler Maltby would respond for Sherwood Park. There would be no scoring in the third period, meaning the teams headed for overtime. It would take 4:13 for Erik Donald to find the back of net for the Pontiacs. Sandro Silvestre faced 15 shots through 64:13 of game time. After both teams cashed in on man advantages in game one, neither team would score a powerplay goal in game two.

“Feels pretty great. It’s been a while since I got one, so it was definitely nice to put one in.” Erik Donald said.

“We stuck to our offensive plan. I thought the character was great to not get away from what we want to do.” Coach Rick Swan said on the Lake City Coach Post Game Coaches Show.

The Bonnyville Pontiacs head to Sherwood Park for games three and four on Sunday and Monday. The series is even at 1-1. Stay tuned to Lakeland Connect on Facebook. Husband Chad will be keeping you up to date on everything Pontiacs for the trip thanks to our sponsors NCSG Scorpion Industries and Lake City Coach.