The Bonnyville Senior Pontiacs are heading to the Sask Alta League Finals — and they didn’t just knock on the door to get there. They kicked it clean off the hinges.

A 14-0 win over the Lashburn Flyers on home ice sealed the deal, capping off a dominant performance that saw Bonnyville fire 57 shots on net while holding Lashburn to just 21.

Head Coach Corey Wandler said it was all about a business-like approach from puck drop.

“They’ve got a lot of pedigree in that Lashburn lineup,” Wandler said postgame. “But our group just came with that business-like attitude. That first period was as complete as you could ask for. The guys executed exactly what we talked about from game one right through to tonight.”

First Period Set the Tone

The Pontiacs wasted no time taking control.

Denis Cadrin opened the scoring late in the first, followed quickly by James Rabbit. Braydon Burak added one unassisted before Scott Thackeray made it 4-0 after 20 minutes.

From there, the floodgates opened.

Balanced Attack, Big Nights

Eight different Pontiacs recorded three-point nights, while two players put up four points. Coltan Buchta led the charge with a hat trick in the third period, while Braydon Burak also finished with three goals.

Devon McCormack added two goals of his own, Lucas Isley chipped in with a strong offensive performance, and the power play struck once courtesy of Orrie Wood.

It wasn’t just offence, though.

Goaltender Ethan Woodward stopped all 21 shots he faced for his second shutout of the playoffs. Even in a lopsided game, Wandler made sure to credit his netminder.

“He still had to make some big saves at key times and he did that. The group in front of him just played a complete sixty-minute game.”

Sticking to the Plan

Despite the scoreline, Wandler said the message before the game wasn’t anything dramatic.

“Not much was said. We talked about our game plan, how we wanted to attack and defend in the neutral zone. Don’t overthink it, don’t grip the sticks too tight. Just go out and work and do your job.”

The result was a complete, disciplined effort — just two penalty minutes for Bonnyville all night.

Finals Bound

With the win, the Pontiacs now advance to face the Meadow Lake Broncos in a best-of-seven Sask Alta League Final. Meadow Lake enters the series undefeated in the playoffs after a 15-1 regular season.

Bonnyville will enjoy a few days off before shifting focus.

“We’re going to enjoy this tonight, get some rest, and then prepare as the week comes.”

One positive note heading into the finals: defenceman Noah Cook is expected to be available, health permitting.

For an inaugural season in the Sask Alta League, the Senior Pontiacs have already made a statement.

Now comes the final test.