Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League

Terriers Wrap Up Three Games In Three Nights In Kindersley

Photo Credit: Simple Shots By Jackie

Story Coming In:

A better effort was shown by the Terriers, but the third period continued to cause problems for Yorkton, as they fell 5-2 to the Battlefords North Stars. Dylan Ruptash and Clay Sleeva have goals in back to back games, but the Terriers gave up a combined total of eight goals in third periods against Battlefords. In fact, Sleeva’s third period goal last night stopped a run of 12 straight third period goals against Yorkton. Now, having suffered three straight losses, and five in their last six, the Terriers find themselves sitting in 7th place in the SJHL standings, tied with the Melville Millionaires and Nipawin Hawks. They also are four points back from the division leading Estevan Bruins, with four games in hand. A win tonight against a team below them in the standings could be crucial for Yorkton if they want to turn their fortunes around before a lengthy trip on the road.   

View From Kindersley:

The Klippers pulled off a massive upset last night. Aided by 46 saves from Cody Jaman, and scoring four straight goals in the third period, Kindersley took down the mighty Humboldt Broncos on home ice 5-3. The Klippers tinkered with their roster since they last played the Yorkton Terriers at the SJHL Showcase. Ethan Scriven joins the Klippers from the North Stars, while recently acquired Logan Cox made an impact in his first game with a goal and a helper. Kindersley is a team that is better than their record indicates and they are only four points away from a playoff spot, despite being in last place. A win against Humboldt could be the igniting point for the Klippers and they will not be an easy opponent, especially at home.       

 

Youth Movement:

Fans in Yorkton have to remember how young the Terriers are this season. The roster consists of four 20-year-olds, five 19-year-old, thirteen 18-year-olds and two 17-year-olds. That’s a young roster! That also means that there’s some pressure on the rookies to produce. One who has had a slow start to the season, but has shown flashes, is Jackson McDonnell. The St Albert product only has two assists to his name, but he has showcased his speed, chipped in on the penalty kill, and has caused havoc for the opposing team. With so many close chances, it’s just a matter of time before the 18-year-old rookie puts home his first career SJHL goal. With the youth movement taking place in Yorkton, fans have to realize that there will be growing pains and it won’t always be smooth sailing. However, when players like McDonnell start producing at a regular clip, there will be bright times for the Terriers.

 

Stats Leaders For Yorkton:

Goals: Ruptash (6)

Assists: Nelson (6)

Points:  Nelson (10)

PIM: Nollski (42)

Goalie: Allen 5-4-0, 3.60, 0.904% 1SO 1G