Yorkton Continues Road Trip In Nipawin
Photo Credit: Simple Shots By Jackie Story Coming In:
The Terriers are trying to achieve something they haven’t done all season. Win four games in a row. With victories in their last three over La Ronge, Flin Flon and Weyburn, Yorkton has been led by solid goaltending and timely points from Karsten Kruska. Kishaun Gervais has points in two straight games, while Greg Nelson has scored in back to back games for the first time this season. With the empty net goal last night against Weyburn, Steven Norum became the first Terrier this season to eclipse the 40 point mark, while Gervais is two goals away from 20 this year. Yorkton still sits two points back of La Ronge for 6th place in the SJHL with both teams having played the same amount of games, and both teams in action tonight. In addition, a win tonight would clinch a playoff spot for the Yorkton Terriers.
View From Nipawin:
The Hawks were officially eliminated from playoff contention last night, after Notre Dame defeated Flin Flon. During a shocking season in Nipawin, highlighted by the firing of longtime head coach Doug Johnson, the Hawks are officially building towards next season. There are some building blocks on this team. Bryden Kiesmen has been a star up front, and he will be joined by some promising pieces in Braxton Buckberger, Rylan Lefebrve, Carson Dobson and Carter Wickenheiser. On defense, Ranon Joseph provides a big stay at home presence, while Evan Bortis is the future team captain for Nipawin next season. The Hawks also have two good goaltenders in Chase Hamm and Harmon Laser-Hume. Focusing on this year, Nipawin has had success against the Terriers having won two of the previous three meetings. With all three games having gone to extra time, the Hawks will look to play spoiler in the final meeting of the regular season.
On A Noll:
The Terriers are still dealing with a handful of injuries which means younger guys have needed to step up. One of those players has been Maddux Nollski. The rookie from St Albert has tallied points in seven of his last ten games, and has shot up to fourth place on the team with points. Armed with a deadly shot, Nollski’s 15 goals only trails Kishaun Gervais for the most by a Terrier. In recent weeks, Maddux has begun to find a playmaker’s touch. Nollski has found ways to step up his linemates while building excellent chemistry with Steven Norum and Greg Nelson. With the playoffs fast approaching, players like Nollski heating up could be the difference between a lengthy postseason run, and a quick first round exit.
Tale of the Tape
Yorkton Terriers (25-21-1-6 – 57 points) Nipawin Hawks (17-30-0-6 – 40 points)
2nd Viterra Division/ 7th SJHL 4th Sherwood Division/ 11th SJHL
Powerplay: 24/191 – 12.6% (9th SJHL) Powerplay: 28/228 – 12.3% (10th SJHL)
Penalty Kill: 204/235 – 86.8% (3rd SJHL) Penalty Kill: 194/243 – 79.8% (7th SJHL)
Last Ten: 5-3-0-2 Streak: 3-0-0-0 Last Ten: 3-7-0-0 Streak: 0-2-0-0
Stats Leaders For Yorkton:
Goals: Gervais (18)
Assists: Norum (27)
Points: Norum (40)
PIM: Gervais (82)
Goalie: DePape 19-14-0-5, 2.28, 0.918%, 4 SO