Canadiens Stay Strong in Weekend Action

The St. Paul Jr. B Canadiens are determined to finish the season strong and collect as many points as they can in the last few games before the post-season. A four-game win streak was extended to six and changed the fortune of the team. Securing two big wins this past weekend, on Friday, at home, with a 4-0 win over the Tigers and on Saturday, on the road, with a 6-2 win over the Bandits.

Game 1 vs. Vermilion

“The bounces have been going our way,” Assistant Coach of the Canadiens, Travis Rollheiser says the game of hockey can be unpredictable; however he believes the late season success is mainly due to the players, “all the credit to the guys in the room. They’ve been battling hard.” The Canadiens dominate play in Vermilion on Friday night with 55 to 27 shots on net, it was very evident they would be taking the win. Setting the tone was Bailey Lonsberry with an unassisted goal just 2:37 into the first period. A penalty ridden second period was complimented nicely with a pair of Habs goals, first from  Zach Bendall (assist Bailey Lonsberry) and second from  Peter Blomberg (assists Cameron Potter & Sean Greene).

Bailey Lonsberry continued to shine, with three points in the evening. The 20 year old, defenseman put in another goal to close the game 4-0 for the Canadiens. Veterans Dyson Roy & Braydon Burak collected the assist on the last goal.

Michael Davis collected the shutout win for the Canadiens in front of the home crowd on Friday evening at the Clancy Richard Arena. “What do you expect from Mike these days?” Head Coach of the Canadiens, Joe Young says Davis’ performance has been as expected – stellar! “He’s playing unbelievable. He’s had a fantastic year, anytime you write his name at the top of the scoresheet, that he’s starting, you know you’re going to be in for a fantastic hockey game.”

Game 2 vs. Lloydminster

Headed on the road, Saturday evening, the Canadiens didn’t let bus legs get the best of them, putting up 53 shots to the Lloydminster Bandit’s 31. Davis allowing only two goals, with the Habs putting in six, it was a 6-2 final for the club.

After allowing on Bandits’ goal off the start, the Canadiens slammed Lloyd with four unanswered goals to make it a 4-1 game after 40 minutes of play. Scoring was  Cameron Potter (x2), Braydon Burak, and Dyson Roy.

The Bandits came out in the third with some short-lived gusto, putting a goal past Devin Allen, to make it a 4-2 game. That would be the closest the Bandits would get. From there the gap only got larger.  Braydon Burak with his second goal of the game, at 13:49 in the third, was followed by an unassisted beaut, from  Alexander Astasiewicz. Final score 6-2 for the Canadiens.

The Habs have three games left in the regular season and are sitting comfortable in third position in the Northeast Alberta Jr. B Hockey League. They have the potential to take the second place seat from Killiam.  Friday the club will be in Killiam, and Saturday & Sunday at home versus Wainwright & Lac La Biche (respectively). You can catch exclusive player and coaches interviews on Lakeland Connect’s Facebook Page, thanks to Xtreme Oilfield Services and Seventy Two Developments.