Pontiacs return home with 0-2 series record

Photo Credit: Game Ready Photography

The Bonnyville Jr. A Pontiacs are coming home from Fort McMurray without any success against the Oil Barons. After Thursday’s triumphant attempt to capture a win in double overtime ended with a 3-2 loss; the Yaks made another go at it Friday night, only to fall 7-1.

“In a five game series you cannot have a long memory,” Assistant Coach, of the Pontiacs, Neil Langridge said pregame that the team will have to shake off the memory of the previous night’s game to take on the Oil Barons in game 2. “We had a heck of a game, had our chances; they ended up capalizing in double overtime. Tonight, we’re going to catch them tired from the 83 minute contest last night.”

The Pontiacs would not get the split they were looking for with a win on Friday night.

The Yaks would drop 4-0 within 25 minutes of play. The tough decision to pull starting goalie Justin Travis  for backup Dario Latessa was made and the team looked for a strong third period showing.

The final period started strong with an early goal from  Kash Rasmussen, at the 1:06 mark, with the assist to Charlie Gawlicki. It was a 4-1 game at the Casman Centre. Though not for long.

Fort McMurray put up another three goals to close the game with a 7-1 win.

“A loss is a loss in my mind, they’re all going to be tough. We’re one loss away from the season being over,” Langridge said postgame in a five game series with the best of three moving on the Pontiacs have no room for error going forward. “We have to win three games now. That’s what’s we’re going to focus on.”

They’re up two games to none, but we get to go to a friendly barn, the RJ Lalonde Arena and we’re going to focus on that. – Neil Langridge Assistant Coach Bonnyville Jr. A Pontiacs

The Pontiacs now look for the home ice advantage, as they bring the series to the RJ Lalonde Arena. Puck drop 7:30 pm. We will have live player and coaches interviews on Lakeland Connect’s Facebook Page, thanks to Lake City Coach, Rapid Response Energy Services and NCSG Scorpion Industries.