The Yorkton Terriers kicked off the new year with their seventh consecutive win, a 7-4 triumph over division rivals Melville Millionaires on Wednesday afternoon. The victory, Yorkton’s first of 2025 and in the Rail City, showcased the team’s resilience and ability to capitalize on momentum.
The game started with a bang, featuring five goals in the opening ten minutes. Keenan Ingram set the tone for Yorkton just 2:40 into the game, jamming home a loose puck to give the Terriers an early lead.
Melville responded quickly, with Liam Rodman and Edward Knittig scoring in quick succession to briefly give the Millionaires a 2-1 edge.
That advantage was short-lived, as Yorkton captain Jaron Desnoyers tied the game 2-2 with an incredible goal, batting the puck out of mid-air. Just five minutes later, Thomas Ries wristed his fifth goal of the season past Melville netminder Nick Genette, restoring Yorkton’s lead. The Terriers held a narrow 3-2 edge after one, outshooting the Millionaires 13-12.
Melville regained momentum early in the second period, as Simon Parini and Gaborik Carlson scored four minutes apart to reclaim the lead at 4-3.
However, Yorkton’s power play proved deadly midway through the frame. Dustin Renas found a wide-open Keenan Ingram, who buried his second goal of the night and 17th of the season, tying the game at 4-4 heading into the final period.
The game’s intensity escalated in the third period, highlighted by a spirited fight between Thomas Ries and Wesley Golden that saw Ries land heavy blows before securing the takedown. The altercation energized the Terriers, who struck four minutes later as Jeff Hammond tipped in the eventual game-winner through Genette’s legs for his fifth goal of the season.
Yorkton sealed the victory with two empty-netters: Tylan Henrikson and Jaron Desnoyers each added insurance goals, with Desnoyers capping a four-point night (two goals, two assists).
Yorkton’s second ranked power play went 1/2, while Melville capitalized on 2/6 opportunities.
Callum Creig stood tall in Yorkton’s net, making 29 saves on 33 shots for his 11th win of the season.
The Terriers’ busy week continues with back-to-back home games. On Friday, they host the Estevan Bruins, followed by a Sunday afternoon matinee against the Weyburn Red Wings.
