Terriers Wrap Up Road Trip Against The Ice Wolves
Photo Credit: Simple Shots By Jackie Story Coming In:
The Terriers saw their six game point streak snapped at the hands of the Weyburn Red Wings on Tuesday. Spotting the Red Wings four goals, Yorkton charged back to make it a 4-3 game, before falling 5-3. Steven Norum had two goals on the night, while Kael DePape stopped 12 of 13 shots in relief of Bradley Mistol. A bounce back game is needed for the Terriers, as they take on a La Ronge team that they’ve had success against this season. With the game against Nipawin on Saturday postponed, the road trip wraps up at the Mel Hegland Uniplex where Yorkton won the last showdown 5-2. The power-play has been excellent against the Ice Wolves, going 3-for-9, while the penalty kill looks for a bounce back game, after going 0-for-2 against Weyburn. If Yorkton wins the special teams battle, then there’s a good chance they will handle La Ronge.
View From La Ronge:
Not many teams were hotter going into the Christmas break than the La Ronge Ice Wolves. Despite the departures of veterans like Nolan Doell and Andrew Blocker, the Ice Wolves won five straight games in December and seven of their previous ten. This will be the first game since the Christmas break for the Ice Wolves, so there are questions about rust. However, being led by the likes of Gavin Mattey, Aaron Greyeyes and Xavier Cannon, La Ronge remains capable of being a threat for any team in SJHL, as proven by two victories over Estevan and a win over Humboldt.
Help Is On The Way:
Yorkton is hoping to see the return of three different players to the lineup, but none may be more important than Zach McIntyre. The 20-year-old product from Rhein, SK is an excellent pick up by Mat Hehr, who has added another threat to the Yorkton offence. Since being acquired from the Melville Millionaires, McIntyre has posted five points in six games for the Terriers. With the power-play needing a much needed boost, McIntyre will be welcomed with open arms, with both of his goals as a Terrier being on the man advantage. As Yorkton continues to make their charge towards home ice advantage in the first round of the playoffs, veterans, like McIntyre, will be key to leading the charge.
Tale of the Tape
Yorkton Terriers (16-14-1-4 – 37 points) La Ronge Ice Wolves (14-17-1-2 – 31 points)
2nd Viterra Division/ 6th SJHL 3rd Sherwood Division/ T-7th SJHL
Powerplay: 17/131 – 13% (10th SJHL) Powerplay: 26/155 – 16.8% (8th SJHL)
Penalty Kill: 138/160 – 86.3% (3rd SJHL) Penalty Kill: 122/162 – 75.3% (11th SJHL)
Last Ten: 6-2-1-1 Streak: 0-1-0-0 Last Ten: 7-3-0-0 Streak: 0-1-0-0
Stats Leaders For Yorkton:
Goals: Gervais (12)
Assists: Jasper (18)
Points: Sleeva (21)
PIM: Norum (67)
Goalie: DePape 14-7-0-4, 2.00, 0.926%, 3 SO