Story Coming In:
After two massive victories over the Kindersley Klippers, the Terriers have dropped back-to-back games, being outscored 8-1. With results around them not going their way, Yorkton finds themselves three points back of a playoff spot. December isn’t an easy month for the Terriers either. Every game is against teams ahead of them in the standings, including two games against Battlefords and two against Flin Flon. If Yorkton wants success this month, they need the offense (which is tied for the fewest goals in the SJHL) to step up, and they will need superb goaltending each night, which has happened more often than not.
View From Melfort:
After a subpar start to the season, the Mustangs have become one of the hottest teams in the SJHL. Having won seven of their last ten games, including getting points in six straight, Melfort has climbed to 6th in the league and are poised to compete for home ice advantage in the first round of the playoffs. Strong defense has led the way for the Mustangs, who have given up the third fewest goals in the SJHL. Up front, the Mustangs have benefitted from the emergence of Zac Somers and 16-year-old Riley Ashe, who both have put up over 20 points this season. If they can get consistent production out of returning players like Ben Tkachuk and Clarke Huxley, then the Mustangs will be one of the most dangerous teams in the league.
Changes:
Yesterday was roster cutdown day in the CJHL, which saw a lot of moves being done across Canada. The same can be said for the Terriers, whose lineup looks quite a bit different after 24 hours. Gone are the Vreys twins, Kody Norberg, Cade Van Brabant and Kaden Bandura. The Terriers did add Landon Van Engelen, a pest of a forward who’s not afraid to mix things up, and defender Ashton Funk, a bright 2004 player who was playing regular minutes with Blackfalds in the AJHL. Both players could become big pieces for the Terriers this season and in years to come. Van Engelen could be a sandpaper, Matthew Tkachuk-like player that the Terriers are lacking, while Funk could become an anchor on the backend that can produce offensively, much like what Tyson Janzen was in previous season. There may be short term pain for Terriers fans, but with a strong 2004 class, it could lead to future success.
Stats Leaders For Yorkton:
Goals: Ruptash (10)
Assists: Hall (10)
Points: Ruptash (17)
PIM: Mayes (101)
Goalie: Allen 9-10-0, 3.61, 0.902% 1SO 1G
