Massive Saturday Match-up Between Yorkton And Notre Dame
Photo Credit: Simple Shots By Jackie Story Coming In:
Despite a loss to Notre Dame on Saturday, 6th place is still up for grabs for the Yorkton Terriers. The orange and gray need three points in their final two regular season games to leapfrog the La Ronge Ice Wolves, who have completed their season. Yorkton has the rematch against Notre Dame at Westland Insurance Arena, a week after falling to them on the road. To come out victorious, team defense and special teams must be better for the Terriers. Having given up seven goals including two on the power-play, Yorkton will be looking to bounce back in front of the home fans. The offense has been clicking as of late, having scored at least four goals in each of their last six contests. Karsten Kruska continues to have the hot stick, posting a seven game point streak as the Terriers barrel towards the playoffs. The London, Ontario product has formed a potent line with Kishaun Gervais and Carson Henry, and all three will look to continue to lead the way offensively.
View From Notre Dame:
The lone playoff matchup that’s locked in place involves the Notre Dame Hounds. After being upset by the Weyburn Red Wings, the Hounds will finish the year in 8th, receiving a first round date with the Estevan Bruins. After defeating the Yorkton Terriers on home ice last Saturday, Notre Dame dropped back to back contests against Humboldt and Weyburn. Kevin Anderson has been carrying the Hounds, receiving national recognition for his efforts in the month of February. So far in March, Anderson has posted five points in five games. Connor Nolan has also been solid as of late, with four points in his last three games. The big thing that needs to improve for Notre Dame is the defense. Having given up four or more goals in all five games played so far in March, the Hounds have been putting themselves behind the eight ball more often than not. A continuation of a porous defense will not be a recipe for success, and could be the downfall for the Hounds come postseason time.
Oh Nelly:
While the numbers don’t pop, Greg Nelson has been an excellent acquisition for the Yorkton Terriers. The 19-year-old is a veteran presence, having played 110 career Junior A games over three seasons. A physical force, Nelson has been slotted as a role player, usually playing with the young AP’s to help them settle into the SJHL game. With three goals over the last five games, the Veteran, Alberta product has provided secondary scoring for the Terriers, which will be important come playoff time. With the final push to avoid Humboldt in the playoffs taking place, standout performances by guys like Nelson will be key for the Terriers to finish in 6th place.
Tale of the Tape
Yorkton Terriers (27-22-1-6 – 61 points) Notre Dame Hounds (25-26-3-2 – 55 points)
2nd Viterra Division/ 7th SJHL 3rd Global Ag Risk Division/ 8th SJHL
Powerplay: 28/210 – 13.3% (9th SJHL) Powerplay: 48/223 – 21.5% (5th SJHL)
Penalty Kill: 214/247 – 86.6% (3rd SJHL) Penalty Kill: 179/220 – 81.4% (6th SJHL)
Last Ten: 6-2-0-2 Streak: 0-1-0-0 Last Ten: 5-5-0-0 Streak: 0-2-0-0
Stats Leaders For Yorkton:
Goals: Gervais (22)
Assists: Norum (28)
Points: Gervais & Norum (42)
PIM: Norum (94)
Goalie: DePape 20-15-0-5, 2.34, 0.915%, 4 SO