Story Coming In:
With only three wins in the last ten games, the Yorkton Terriers have been on a bit of a skid. Some of the orange and gray’s woes can be pinned on playing with a short roster, due to numerous injuries. February also hasn’t been kind to Yorkton. With only two wins in eight games, the Terriers need to find a way to string wins together to ensure their ticket is booked for the postseason. Reinforcements are on the way. JD Hall could be back in the lineup any game now, while the injury to Parker Jasper isn’t as bad as originally feared, and he could return in March, along with Logan Cyca. The Terriers can also take solace that they have been in every contest this month, with only one game decided by more than two goals. A bounce here or there, and the Terriers can find themselves back in the win column, and one step closer to the SJHL playoffs.
View From La Ronge:
There is no team who has played better hockey than the La Ronge Ice Wolves as of late. Points in 10 straight games, the Ice Wolves have fired themselves up the standings, firmly into a playoff spot. With wins against Flin Flon, Melfort and Battlefords, the Ice Wolves have shown they can play with any team in the SJHL, thanks to their heavy playing style and timely scoring from their top players. Injuries could be a factor for La Ronge as well. Aaron Greyeyes and Holden Knights both suffered injuries on Wednesday in Melville and could be out of the lineup for an extended period of time. However, with Xavier Cannon in goal, and the line of Brandan Della Paolera, Gavin Mattey and Walker Jerome firing, the Ice Wolves can continue to tear up the SJHL heading into the postseason.
DePaper Boy:
After going through a rough five game losing streak, giving up four or more goals in four of those contests, Kael DePape has bounced back in between the pipes. A 35 save performance, followed up by a shutout win against Melville (where the Yorkton product gained an assist on the game-winning goal), DePape has kept his team in games, despite the injuries to key players. Even in the loss to Estevan on Wednesday, the 19-year-old made highlight reel save after highlight reel save to give his team a chance. While it’s a lot to ask, Yorkton may need another gear out of DePape. With his name being thrown into the rookie of the year conversation, a step up in DePape’s performance could seal a postseason berth for the Terriers.
Tale of the Tape
Yorkton Terriers (22-21-1-6 – 51 points) La Ronge Ice Wolves (24-19-1-3 – 52 points)
2nd Viterra Division/ 7th SJHL 3rd Sherwood Division/ 6th SJHL
Powerplay: 22/180 – 12.2% (10th SJHL) Powerplay: 35/208 – 16.8% (8th SJHL)
Penalty Kill: 193/222 – 86.9% (3rd SJHL) Penalty Kill: 161/203 – 74.9% (T-11th SJHL)
Last Ten: 3-5-0-2 Streak: 0-1-0-1 Last Ten: 9-0-0-1 Streak: 9-0-0-1
Stats Leaders For Yorkton:
Goals: Gervais (16)
Assists: Norum (26)
Points: Norum (38)
PIM: Gervais (82)
Goalie: DePape 17-14-0-5, 2.29, 0.918%, 4 SO
