Canadiens split the weekend with big deficits in score

Canadiens home opener sees the Yens fall 7-1 to Lloyd

In a challenging home opener at Clancy Richard Arena, the St. Paul Jr. Canadiens faced a tough loss against the Lloyd Bandits, ending the game with a 7-1 defeat. Head Coach Corey DeMossaic and players Jace Ard and Connor Goofers shared their thoughts on the game and their plans moving forward.

The game, presented by Extreme Oilfield Services, marked the Canadiens’ first home game. Despite high hopes and a strong fan turnout, the team couldn’t hold back the Bandits’ relentless offense.

Coach deMossaic, reflecting on the loss, acknowledged the growing pains the team is experiencing with ten new players in the lineup this season. “We have a lot of new guys, and we need to work on a bunch of things,” deMossaic said. “Keeping the puck out of the net was a strength last year, but we’ve already allowed 25 goals this season. It’s a lack of communication and execution in the defensive zone that we need to address.”

The defensive struggles were evident throughout the game, with the Bandits finding the net repeatedly. “We have to sharpen up in our D zone. It was definitely a weakness tonight,” DeMossaic added. “We’ll work on getting pucks out and improving our communication. It’s a process, and we’ll get better.”

Despite the loss, there were glimpses of potential from the new players. Jayce Lessard & Connor Goofers, two newcomers, showed promise. “Jace is a really skilled kid, and he’s going to be a big piece of our team this year,” DeMossaic said. “Connor is a big guy who likes to bang and go to the net. He’s working on getting his feet going, and we’ll go from there.”

Ard, who caught up with reporters during the intermission, expressed his excitement about joining the Canadiens. “It’s been a great experience so far, and I’m learning a lot,” Lessard said. “We have a lot to work on, but I’m confident in our team’s potential.”

Goofers echoed Lessard’s sentiments, emphasizing the need for improvement. “We’re a new group, and it’s going to take time to gel,” Goofers stated. “We need to focus on our communication and execution on the ice.”

Looking ahead, the Canadiens face another tough opponent in the Wainwright Bisons, who previously defeated them 7-1 this season. DeMossaic is realistic but hopeful. “The Bisons are big, strong, and aggressive. We know what we’re up against,” he said. “The championship isn’t won in October. We need to work on a bunch of things and see where the chips fall.”

Despite the rough start, the Canadiens remain focused on the bigger picture. “Like I told the guys, you can go 34-2 and not win,” DeMossaic remarked. “We need to work on a bunch of things, and we will get it done.”

The loss was a setback, but DeMossaic remains determined. “We’ve got a lot of potential, and it’s about putting the pieces together,” he said. “We’ll get back to the practice ice, work on our weaknesses, and come out stronger.”

The Canadiens’ journey continued with a big win in Wainwright the following evening. They beat NEAJBHL rivals the Bisons 6-0 on the road.

The Canadiens will return to action next weekend.

 

Weekend NEAJBHL Recap

The North Eastern Alberta Junior B Hockey League (NEAJBHL) saw intense action over the weekend. On Friday,  the Vermilion Tigers also had a strong showing, defeating the Cold Lake Ice 5-1, and the Wainwright Bison beat the Onion Lake Border Kings 11-3. Saturday’s games saw the St. Paul Canadiens bounce back with a 6-0 shutout against the Wainwright Bisons, while the Killiam Wheat Kings took Onion Lake 9-0 and Lloydminster overcame Vegreville 18-2. On Sunday, October 13, the Wainwright Bisons secured a 4-1 win over the Vegreville Rangers, rounding off a weekend of high-scoring games and standout performances.

 

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