Terriers Battle Divisional Foe
Photo Credit: Simple Shots By Jackie Story Coming In:
Five straight losses for the Yorkton Terriers, including three since returning from the Christmas break. In those losses, Yorkton has given up at least five goals in every game, a recipe that won’t bring you a lot of success. While team defence and special teams have had their struggles (the penalty kill has given up 11 goals in their last 30 attempts) there have been a few bright spots. Dylan Ruptash continues to lead all SJHL rookies in goals, as he is on a three game goal streak, while Pavel McKenzie has been a consistent threat as of late with points in four of his last five games. Ruptash was also one of two Terries who will represent Yorkton at the SJHL/MJHL Showcase at the end of the month in Winnipeg, where he will be joined by Clay Sleeva.
View From Weyburn:
After a blistering start to 2023, which saw a home and home sweep for their archrivals, the Estevan Bruins, the Red Wings fell flat over their last two games. After briefly moving into the 8th and final playoff spot, Weyburn suffered a 6-3 defeat to Notre Dame, before getting pummeled 6-1 by the league leading Battlefords North Stars. Now the Red Wings find themselves in 9th place, one point out of the playoffs, and one point ahead of the Terriers. The star of the boys in red is easily Ryley Morgan, who was acquired via trade midseason from the La Ronge Ice Wolves. In 10 games with Weyburn, Morgan has posted 13 points, while fitting in seamlessly with Ty Mason, Matteo Turin, Jacob Kalin and co. A healthy Dazza Mitchell in goal is huge for Weyburn, as the Regina product gives them a chance every game as the team pushes for their first playoff berth since 2019.
Next Man Up:
After a brutal cross check to the teeth of Melville’s Sam Schofield, Dalton Mayes found himself suspended for five games. To fill the gap on the backend, the Terriers will use AP’s, giving fans a glimpse of the future. During the first game in Estevan, it was 2022 first rounder Cutter Knight making his SJHL debut, and the Swift Current product showed potential of being a shutdown defender for years to come. Tonight it will be local product Jaxon Sperling, a forward converted to defence and looking strong since making the transition. Future games could include Jeffery Stewart, who has already made his SJHL debut, and Luc Bourdon, a small but intriguing prospect with the Tisdale Trojans. With the Terries giving opportunities to the young players and preparing for the next couple of seasons, how the youth answers the bell when called upon will determine how bright 2023/24 and 2024/25 will look for the orange and black.
Stats Leaders For Yorkton:
Goals: Ruptash (16)
Assists: Butz & Hall (13)
Points: Ruptash (26)
PIM: Mayes (144)
Goalie: Allen 12-17-0, 4.03, 0.890% 1SO 1G