Pontiacs lose 4-2 twice in weekend action

4-2 theme

It was a hard weekend for the Bonnyville Pontiacs. Two southern opponents came through the RJ Lalonde Arena this weekend. First up were the Calgary Canucks, and the Canmore Eagles were the  Saturday weekend capper. Both games were 4-2 final scores for the visitors. This is your Yaks Post-Game Report presented by Lake City Coach, and Rapid Response Energy Services Bonnyville!

Friday vs Canucks

The Pontiacs entered Friday on the heels of a morale boosting 2-1 nine-round shootout loss to Fort McMurray. The Canucks came to the RJ after a 4-2 victory against Drumheller. The first period started hot for the Pontiacs. Brandon Whistle knocked in a powerplay marker from Derek Brown and Isaac Saniga. The Canucks used a special teams disadvantage for the better, and netted a short-handed goal  with seven and a half minutes to play in the first. The game was tied 1-1 into the intermission. The Canucks scored two vital goals in the second period, with the Pontiacs answering back with 14 seconds remaining off the stick of Bekkam Willis.

The 3-2 game slipped out of the Yaks reach. The Canucks got a put away goal from Michael Clarke with under four minutes to play after a Yaks penalty had just expired. The game ended as a 4-2 victory for Canmore.

Saturday vs Eagles

The Pontiacs have done well balancing the ups, and downs of a young roster, and the AJHL grind. Back to back games at home meant the young Pontiacs had a chance to give the fans a reason to smile. Canmore set the tone early, opening the scoring 37 seconds in. The Pontiacs got some momentum rolling as Isaac Saniga and Garin Butler scored goals in the first period. The game was 2-1 after the first period. The only scoring in the second was done by Tian Rusk of the Eagles. Quiton Ong, and Alex Young scored goals for the Eagles in the third period. Canmore won the game 4-2.

“We still had enough opportunities to win. With respect to the offense, we were creating at the net. Although, we have to get better in certain areas, and that’s the defensive zone. That’s our job as coaches to make sure we teach the right things so they play the right way. We’ll get there, and we will get it, that’s the positive part of it. If I’m panicking as a coach because we don’t have the players that’s one thing, but I think we’ve got good players in here that are going to be good players. It’s just going to have to be Rick, and Larry, AND Neil, rolling up their sleeves and work boots and being prepared to come to work.” Head Coach Rick Swan said Post-Game.

On the road

The Pontiacs hit the road on Thursday to play the Camrose Kodiaks. They will return home on Saturday to face the Calgary Mustangs. Thursday will be a 7:00 p.m. puck drop, while Saturday will begin at 7:30 p.m.