Bonnyville Sr. Pontiacs to play Westlock in playoffs in successful season

Image: Bonnyville Sr. Pontiacs. Denis Cadrin receives a plaque for surpassing 100 regular season games played.

The post-season is set to begin for the Bonnyville Sr. Pontiacs boasting their best squad since winning Provincials back in 2017. 

Icing the youngest team in the NCHL, the Sr. Pontiacs take on the Westlock Warriors in a best-of-five 1st round matchup. 

They have very similar records, and it’s expected to be quite a battle. 

“It’s exciting for our players to get the chance to get into a playoff series. And not just a series, but against a division rival,” said head coach Corey Wandler.

The Sr. Pontiacs put together a 8-7-1 record, just one point behind the Warriors, who went 9-7 this season. 

The race in the North Division was very tight, with Devon registering 19 points, Westlock 18 points, Bonnyville 17 points, and Morinville, the whipping boy of the division, winning just one game. 

Westlock took three of the four matchups head-to-head, the most recent last Saturday by a 7-3 score. The Sr. Pontiacs did much better against Devon, winning three of four against the Barons. 

Depth is showing

Coltan Buchta has been a potent weapon offensively. The former Cold Lake Ice captain finished tied for the league lead in goals and 3rd in the league in points, with 17 goals, 13 assists, and 30 points. 

“The last couple of years, the injury bug has hit him. He’s always been a go-to guy for us offensively. This year, the puck is going on for him,” said Wandler.

But it’s not just Buchta – Bonnyville boasts five of the league’s top-20 scorers, with Denis Cadrin, Janson Pasniak, Lucas Isley, and Marc Ouellette, all comfortably over a point per game. 

Former local Junior B players like Scott Thackeray and Devon McCormack are also fulfilling big roles.

Brinson Pasichnuk, who spends a ton of time at the rink officiating minor hockey, has also suited up six times. He could be a gamebreaker if he plays through this playoff run.

Game 1 of the series kicks off Saturday night in Westlock. 

Fans are encouraged to pack the RJ on Sunday night at 6:30pm for Game 2. Game 3 returns to Westlock on Friday, Feb. 16. 

Bonnyville would host Game 4, if necessary, on Saturday, Feb. 17 at 8:30pm. Game 5 would be the next day. 

Cadrin hits century mark

Earlier this year, Denis Cadrin achieved an impressive milestone in North Central Hockey League history, by playing in his 100th regular season game. 

Another full season would put Cadrin close to being top-10 in NCHL games played. 

His 138 points is 11th all-time, according to the NCHL. 

“He’s had a tremendous career. He’s a guy that just loves the game of hockey. He loves coming to the rink, loves being with the guys. One of the most committed guys you’ll ever find,” said Wandler.

“I think there’s a lot of respect when his name gets brought up from other teams in the league. He’s been on the all-star teams in the league and won the scoring title a few years back. A guy that we need on our team and when he’s playing his best, that means we are too. Him and Buchta were on a line together this year, and they were dominant.”