Kings reign over Sr. Pontiacs

Photo Credit: Game Ready Photography 

A common problem in men’s hockey plagued the Sr. AA Pontiacs on Saturday evening as the club struggled to find enough men to skate in their home opener. The short bench was ultimately their downfall, as the Pontiacs dropped a 12-3 decision to the visiting Mornville Kings.

The Pontiacs were so in need of players, Head Coach Corey Wandler had to dress for the game. Suiting up as a defenseman for the Yaks for the first time since he’s taken a coaching role two seasons ago.

Feeling optimist pre-game, Wandler said the team was eager to get going, even with the short bench. “We don’t have as many returning players as we would’ve hoped. We picked up some players in the off-season, we have a young team, a new team and we’re excited to see what happens.”

The excitement was short-lived as the Mornville Kings stacked up the points, with four goals in the first 20 minutes of play.

The Pontiacs put in a good effort in the second with two goals off the lead; from Ryan Rancier and Lucas Isley. Mornville responded with a goal before the close of the period, making it a 5-2 game at the end of two.

Coach Wandler picked up an apple with a quick little popper from Isley to give the Pontiacs a little spring 19 seconds into the third period.

Again the celebration was short-lived as the Kings responded – seven times.

At the buzzer it was 12-3 loss for the Sr. Pontiacs.

Captain Lucas Isley said with the new players the on-ice dynamic will be built up. “It’s the first game, not many player know how each other plays yet.”

The Sr. Pontiacs hit the ice again on Saturday versus Eckville. Puck drop at 7:30 pm at the RJ Lalonde Arena.