Pontiacs Sweep of Whitecourt in Season Openers

184 penalty minutes. 11 misconducts.

The Bonnyville Pontiacs season began with the fights and a hockey game broke out Friday night in Whitecourt. The intensity lead the Pontiacs to wins in their pair of matchups against the Wolverines.

“…Knowing it was their home opener the excitement was heightened from their end,” said coach Rick Swan.

“Our guys showed a lot of character and a lot of grit especially in Game 1 where a lot of grit needed to be attached to our team play. It was good.”

Isaac Saniga struck twice on the powerplay which helped Bonnyville spoil the Wolverines home opener. Swan says Saniga puts a lot of expectations on himself to perform, especially after last year’s injuries.

“I think that this year he expects a lot form himself, not only in a leadership but making sure that he can be a counted on guy in our top 6. So Isaac’s really making sure that he’s doing what he needs to do each and every game.

“Two goals in Game 1 then I thought he played exceptionally well in Game 2. We need all our guys to step up like Isaac has, and then its contagious for new guys coming into organization as well.”

On Saturday, defenceman Luke Albert showed his offensive prowess by connecting with Bobby Young and Lucas Thorne in the third period to tie the game. Not four minutes later, they all reconnected, this time Albert set-up Thorne on the powerplay to take the lead.

They won again 3-2.

Swan said he was happy with this leadership core in the first weekend and the goaltender Colby Muse, who stood tall each contest. Muse was dealing with a hamstring injury during training camp and only played one period in the pre-season schedule.

“He’s not even really hit his groove. It was a reflection on the weekend that there’s so much more potential. There’s a couple NCAA schools that talked to me after the game that said he was real good tonight. But he’s a got a reputation of being a performer and that’s why he’s in Bonnyville this year.”

The Pontiacs will travel to Sherwood Park Wednesday before hosting The Brick Pontiacs Home Opener Friday night at the RJ Lalonde.