Despite a strong performance by returning netminder Jacob Herman, the Yorkton Terriers fell short at Affinity Place 2-1 to the Estevan Bruins on opening night. Herman made 35 saves on 37 shots in the loss, while Karsten Kruska potted his first career SJHL goal.
Estevan struck in the first period, when Antoine St. Onge picked the top corner on Herman at the 8:02 mark. Both teams who have their chances, but both goalies stood tall to ensure the score would remain the same heading into the second period. Both teams would be stymied by the goalies, as both Herman and Boston Bilous would post a perfect second period. In the third, the Bruins would extend their lead on the power-play. A wrist shot from Nolan Jones would be tipped in front of Herman by Caelan Fitzpatrick to make it a 2-0 Estevan lead. The Terriers would cut the lead in half with Kruska finishing off a 2-on-0 on a beautiful feed from Carson Henry. However, the Terriers couldn’t solve Bilous again, who made 25 saves on the night in a 2-1 Estevan victory.
Yorkton would finish 0/3 on the power-play, while Estevan went 1/7 on the man advantage.
Both teams will meet again tomorrow night at the Westland Insurance Arena in Yorkton for the Terriers home opener. The fun all begins at 5:00pm where a tailgating party will take place at the Gallagher Centre. Music will be provided by Saddles and Steel, while a BBQ will be on, right up to puck drop. The game will be broadcast on GX 94’s online feed, which can be found at www.gx94radio.com. The pregame show will start at 7:20 and the play-by-play begins at 7:30.
