Terriers Tangle With Battlefords In Warman
Photo Credit: Simple Shots By Jackie Story Coming In:
The Yorkton Terriers dropped their first game of the SJHL Showcase to the Flin Flon Bombers 1-0, after a phantom goal stood up as the game winner. Kael DePape was sharp in net as the Terriers were unfortunate to come away without at least a point. Despite being shutout, the Terriers funnelled 45 shots on goal, continuing a trend that sees Yorkton average 34 shots a game, good for 4th in league. A win tonight would be big for the orange and grey. Having only won one of their first six games of the season, the Terriers need a confidence booster, and a victory over the league’s top team in Battlefords could be the remedy.
View From Battlefords:
The North Stars sit atop of the league standings and are red hot coming into tonight’s contest. Battlefords have won 4 of their first 6 games, including a 9-5 romp over the Melville Millionaires in the Showcase’s opening game, yesterday morning. With the most potent offense led by Jake Southgate and Steven Kesslering, the North Stars will be a stiff test for the Terriers who have averaged the second fewest goals against per game. After tonight’s contest, the North Stars will hold a home and home series against the Humboldt Broncos, which will determine early season dominance of the Global Ag Risk Division.
Steady Colby:
At first glance, Colby Vranai’s stats would be concerning for any fan, coach or scout. However, when you watch the Yorkton product play, you realize that he may be the best defensive forward on the team. Vranai is leaned on heavily by the league’s third best penalty killing unit. Vranai has a knack for breaking up chances, being relentless on the forecheck, and chewing up precious seconds on opposing team’s power-play. While he may not produce often, the timing of his offence could be key for this young Terrier squad. If Yorkton wants to break out of their current rut, they will need continued leadership by veteran players, like Vranai.
Tale of the Tape
Yorkton Terriers (1-5-0-0 – 2 points) Battlefords North Stars (4-1-1-0 – 9 points)
3rd Viterra Division/ 11th SJHL 1st Global Ag Risk Division/ T-1st SJHL
Powerplay: 2/29 – 6.9% (12th SJHL) Powerplay: 4/18 – 22.2% (4th SJHL)
Penalty Kill: 29/34 – 85.3% (3rd SJHL) Penalty Kill: 25/31 – 80.6% (7th SJHL)
Last Ten: 1-5-0-0 Streak: 0-2-0-0 Last Ten: 4-1-1-0 Streak: 2-0-0-0
Stats Leaders For Yorkton:
Goals: Kruska (3)
Assists: Janzen (4)
Points: Three tied at 4
PIM: Norum (16)
Goalie: DePape 1-1-0-0, 1.01, 0.962%