Yaks dominate two, frustrate in one in 4-point weekend

The late, great artist Meatloaf said it best: “Two outta three ain’t bad.”

And so the same goes for the Bonnyville Pontiacs — dominant in wins over the Olds Grizzlys 6-1 and the Calgary Canucks 7-1, then sluggish and struggling to execute in the third effort vs the Okotoks Oilers in a 4-1 loss.

It’s four points out of six in the first three-games-in-three-days stretch for the Bonnyville Pontiacs since 2017. But that’s the nature of the AJHL this season, as Spruce Grove and Lloydminster were each in the same travel bind.

Through the trip, the Yaks showed what makes them a top-flight team, tied for 4th with the Canucks. Despite a loss on Sunday, they’ll get the opportunity to be fresher with home ice advantage against those same Oilers on Friday.

Luka Sukovic is tied for the lead in goals among active players with 16, with three on the trip. Although his five game goal streak was snapped on Sunday, “Suko” has consistent been the most dangerous offensive presence on the club.

Bodee Weiss allowed just two goals in his two starts and wins, and allowed just one more in relief of Nathan St-Germain, who was pulled after two deflection goals and a partial breakaway beat him on Sunday. Overall, Weiss made 52 of 55 saves.

The Yaks defensively are playing amongst the best in the league. They’ve surrendered just 57 goals against this season, third fewest, and scored the fifth most goals.

A third of the way through the season, Bonnyville sits 12-7-2.

They return home against the Lloydminster Bobcats on Wednesday night, and then host the Oilers on Friday night.

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