Bonnyville Pontiacs take both games on the road vs the Whitecourt Wolverines

The Bonnyville Pontiacs stole both games on the road and took a stranglehold of their second round series vs the Whitecourt Wolverines over the weekend. 

The Yaks compiled big victories, first in overtime 4-3 thanks to Jack Budd, and a 3-0 shutout performance to secure two road wins and a chance to get that much closer to a North Final berth with home wins this upcoming week. 

“At this point we have something special going, it’s just taken some time for them to put it together,” said assistant coach Connor Caderet. 

“We’re so detailed that we trust in details, that we’re so bought in now, once you get everyone bought in, it’s much, much easier to play, and it’s much, much easier to win.” 

Bodee Weiss made 32 saves for the Game 2 shutout, his first postseason shutout victory, his most confident hockey of his junior career, as he turned 19 years old on Sunday. 

Nicolas Beaudoin returned to the lineup for Game 1, and compiled one goal and an assist in the first two games of this series, a credit to himself after nearly sustaining a huge injury in round one. 

The Yaks depth bore through in the road games, playing a ground and pound game in the Wolverines zone that their forwards could not deny. 

Bonnyville had to kill five penalties in Game 2 after an overtime win, including sensational defensive performances from Trey Funk, Luka Sukovic, Mike Cataldo, and Chayce Schmidt in the forward group. 

The defensive pair of Travis Baker and Liam Cavan blocked many shots while the most minutes on the back end, to claim victory. Quinton Gove and JR Ashmead also took turns filling lanes towards the net. 

“Special teams are huge in the playoffs. We’ve been performing in those two aspects,” said Caderet, who gave credit to head coach Mario Pouliot to having the details correct for the penalty kill in particular. 

Jack Budd leads all skaters in postseason points throughout the playoffs with his strong play so far. He has 12 points in his eight games so far from the Yaks backend. 

Trey Funk is tied for third overall with 10 points, as well as Matteo Giampa, who made timely passing plays to Beaudoin and Seguin for goals in Game 2. 

The Yaks are thriving through two games, but know the Wolverines are unsettled and ready to respond after losing both games on home ice. 

Game 1’s loss for Whitecourt was only the fourth loss they’ve had all season after leading through 40 minutes, as they held a 3-2 lead before JR Ashmead tied the game early in the third period. 

Bonnyville hosts Game 3 and 4 at home.

Game 3 | Tuesday night at 7:00pm

Game 4 | Wednesday night at 7:00pm

You can listen to every game, all season on lakelandconnect.thedev.ca/pontiacs.