Terriers Host Bombers For Midweek Showdown
Photo Credit: Simple Shots By Jackie Story Coming In:
February started with a much needed victory for the Yorkton Terriers. Caleb Allen was outstanding, making 46 saves in the win, good enough to earn himself SJHL Goaltender of the Week. Cohner Saleski arguably had his best game as a Terrier, scoring a pair of goals, and Pavel McKenzie continued his impressive play with the overtime winner, as well as an assist on the evening. Now the Terriers focus on a difficult opponent, as they look to keep their playoff hopes alive. Yorkton is 2-2 this season against Flin Flon, which includes a 5-2 win the last time the two teams met at the Westland Insurance Arena. That game, Greg Nelson scored the Teddy Bear Toss goal, while Dylan Ruptash cashed in with the team’s lone hat trick of the season. It’s another must win game for Yorkton, who enter a crucial stretch of their regular season.
View From Flin Flon:
The Bombers trail the La Ronge Ice Wolves by four points for first in the Sherwood Division, however, they have eight games in hand on the Ice Wolves. Since the calendar flipped to 2023, the Bombers have gone 7-4. Riding a three game winning streak, momentum is on Flin Flon’s side as they look to overtake second in the league. One small concern for the Bombers is the absence of Jaeden Mercier, who has missed the last three games with a lower body injury. However, if there’s one thing Flin Flon prides themselves in, it’s their depth. Even without Mercier, they still have weapons like Alexi Sylvestre, Cole Duperreault, Jeremi Tremblay and Jacob Vockler. Oh yeah, and trade deadline acquisition Zach Cain is very familiar with the Terriers as well. Yorkton has given Flin Flon fits this season and won’t be an easy matchup as the Bombers start a road trip through the south.
Return of the Sleeva:
Having served a three game suspension, Clay Sleeva returns to the lineup fired up, and looking to lead the Terriers to a playoff. The Canora product has been held pointless in 2023 so far, but not for a lack of trying. Sleeva’s speed is a terror for opposing defenses and he’s a key piece to both Yorkton’s power-play and penalty kill. With the Terriers looking for consistent production from their veterans, the 19-year-old will be leaned on to provide that experience as the Terriers enter do or die territory. Sitting for a couple games can also do wonders for a player’s motivation, and Yorkton is hoping that Sleeva will take the league by storm.
Stats Leaders For Yorkton:
Goals: Ruptash (18)
Assists: Hall (16)
Points: Ruptash (30)
PIM: Mayes (148)
Goalie: Allen 13-19-1, 3.86, 0.897% 1SO 1G