Yaks Drop a 4-Point Weekend

“We need to create a plan and stick to that plan, in order to create success,” Head Coach of the Bonnyville Jr. A Pontiacs, Rick Swan puts it in terms we can all understand, “it’s like a grocery list. If I give my son a list for eggs, bread and milk, I expect him to come back with bread, eggs, and milk. I don’t expect him to come back with candy and pop.” Adding that sometimes the players deviate.

Deviating from the plan cost the club four points this week, after falling 8-2 to the Fort McMurray Oil Barons, on Thursday, and 3-1 to the Lloydminster Bobcats, on Saturday.

Game 1 vs Fort McMurray

It was another game in which the Pontiacs dropped four goals in the second period and didn’t have enough battle to get back in it, on Thursday evening in Fort McMurray. The Yaks attempted to switch it up by pulling starting goaltender, Justin Travis, at the end of the second. Back-up Dario Latessa got between the pipes and allowed for as many goals, as his predecessor. With an early advance the Oil Barons continued to dominate with two more goals scored in the third to make it a 6-0 game with five minutes left.

Within a span of three minutes that score went from 6-0 to 8-2 for a final score, with  Mitchell Verenka and  Adam Panacci putting in the goals, both off assists from Olson Werenka.

Game 2 vs Lloydminster

“Frustrating. I think that’s the word that comes to mind for everybody, int he dressing room; as well as myself.” Head Coach of the Bonnyville Jr. A Pontiacs, Rick Swan explains the effort was there Saturday night at the RJ Lalonde Arena, the pucks just weren’t hitting the back of the net, “their guy (Bailey Brkin) played sensational.” The Pontiacs out-shot the Bobcats 36 to 19, but couldn’t break through Lloydminster’s netminder for the win. After an empty-netter at the end of the game, the Bobcats came out with a 3-1 win over the Pontiacs.

The Bobcats took the energy early with a shorthanded goal, scored by  Rylan Nivon, at 7:33 in the first. The remainder of the period would go scoreless. Tying up the game in the second was huge defenseman,  Olson Werenka, with an assist from Joel Ray. It was a 1-1 game heading into the third.

An early tripping call on Adam Sandstrom cost the Yaks to give up a point on the power play from, Daniel Hilsendager. Attempts to even out the game before the buzzer by calling in goaltender, Justin Travis, resulted in a the dreaded empty net goal for the Bobcats. It was a 3-1 final. “We played hard tonight,” Coach Swan says the power to beat Lloyd was there, but risky moves, coupled with a hot goalie, cost the club the win.

Player of the Game: Nick Ormon

The Pontiacs welcome the Whitecourt Woverines to the RJ Lalonde Arena on Friday evening; 7:30 puck drop. You can catch exclusive player & coach interviews on Lakeland Connect, thanks to Lake City Coach, Rapid Response Energy Services and Ducharme Motors.