Terriers And Mustangs Clash For Pivotal Game 3
Photo Credit: Simple Shots By Jackie Story Coming In:
After a nervy game one, the Terriers were flying in game number two. Off to a fast start with a 3-1 lead in the first, Yorkton fought off a Melfort comeback to come out victorious 4-3 in double overtime. Kishaun Gervais had the game winner, while Zach McIntyre and Karsten Kruska each had a two point night. Cade Kennedy also scored his first career SJHL goal. The power-play was much improved for the Terriers, striking twice on four opportunities. A strength in the season series against Melfort, the Terriers will look to continue to use the power-play to their advantage. Kael DePape also had a strong game in goal for Yorkton. After a subpar game on Friday, the Yorkton product bounced back with a strong performance, including some game saving stops late in the third period and in overtime. Now the series switches to Yorkton. During the season series, Melfort was victorious in both games in Yorkton. However, the Terriers are a confident group, as they look to take their first lead of the series.
View From Melfort:
The Mustangs battled through adversity to tie up game two at three, before ultimately falling in double overtime. How Melfort responds after this loss could determine the fate of the series. This season, Melfort has either been red hot or stone cold, with very little play in between. The Mustangs hold the league’s two longest winning streaks of ten games and eight, but they have also lost five games in a row twice, and four games in a row once. The injury bug could also be a factor for Melfort. Seth McCulloch, Hayden Tuba, Wyatt Day and Cameron Emigh are all out with injury, while the status of Carter Anderson and Trenton Curtis is unknown. Nolan Doell is also finishing up a two game suspension, while Lucas Ochitwa is forced to sit for at least the next two games. Melfort’s depth will be tested on the road in a building that is not kind to the visiting team.
Fitting In:
What a moment for 17-year-old Cade Kennedy in game number two. The Regina product opened the scoring for the Yorkton Terriers for his first SJHL goal, a perfect shot over the glove of Joel Favreau. They say you will never forget your first, but to do it in the postseason makes it that much more special for Kennedy. Now the Terriers may ask for a little more from the former Yorkton Mauler. With Carson Henry and Erik Boers each serving a two game suspension, the Terriers will need young players like Kennedy to step up to the plate. The Regina product led the Maulers in points this year, and plays an aggressive style that fits well in Yorkton’s system. With his first goal under his belt, Kennedy’s confidence should be overflowing, as he looks to break out and take full advantage of the opportunity presented to him.
Tale of the Tape
Best of 7 Series Tied 1-1
Game #1: 4-1 Melfort
(Clarke Huxley 2 goals, Joel Favreau 27 saves)
Game #2: 4-3 Yorkton (2OT)
(Kishaun Gervais – overtime winner, Cade Kennedy – first SJHL goal)
Yorkton Terriers Melfort Mustangs
Powerplay: 2/8 – 25% Powerplay: 1/14 – 7.1%
Penalty Kill: 13/14 – 92.9% Penalty Kill: 6/8 – 75%
Stats Leaders For Yorkton:
Goals: 5 tied at (1)
Assists: 6 tied at (1)
Points: Gervais, Kruska & McIntyre (2)
PIM: Hall (14)
Goalie: DePape 1-1-0, 2.88, 0.911%