Yorkton Entertains The Hawks
Photo Credit: Simple Shots By Jackie Story Coming In:
The Terriers split a home and home series with the Melville Millionaires, however, head coach Mat Hehr wasn’t happy with how his team played. Too many penalties, plus a flat performance on Saturday led to giving up 3 of a possible 4 points to a rival. Whether it was rust from an 11 day break or other factors, the Terriers have to get set for three difficult opponents over the next week, starting with Nipawin. Last time these two teams met was at the SJHL Showcase in Warman, where Caleb Allen posted a 41 save shutout in a 3-0 victory. Strong goaltending will be key to Yorkton’s success, as has been the case all season, while the team is looking for that complete 60 minute effort. If they can get both, they will be successful as they continue their four game home-stand.
View From Nipawin:
It’s the fourth and final game of a southern swing for the Nipawin Hawks. So far the road trip has produced mixed results. After opening the trip with a 5-2 win over Notre Dame, the Hawks fell 3-2 in a shootout to Weyburn, before falling to Estevan by a 3-2 count. A high flying offence has been the key to success for the Hawks this season. Alex Johnson leads the team in points with 14, Maguire Ratzlaff has eight goals in 11 games, while Bryden Kiesman is a threat every time he steps on the ice. Reinforcements are also on the way in the form Reid MacKay, who was acquired yesterday from the Lloydminster Bobcats and boasts WHL experience. Goaltending was a bit of a question mark for Hawks, however, it has improved for Nipawin. Reid Lalonde and Nolan McDowell have split time in the crease posting similar numbers, and the Hawks are confident with either rookie in net.
St Albert’s Finest:
While the Terriers have scored by committee, Yorkton is still looking for someone to produce on a nightly basis. Naturally, you look to your returning players, especially your 20-year-olds. Maddux Nollski has had a slow start to the season. Yes he has 4 points in 7 games, but most of those happened in the first two games of the season, and he’s spent more time putting penalty minutes up on the board. The 20-year-old from St Albert has a lethal shot that few can match in the SJHL. He also has quick hands that can make a goalie bite on a move taking them out of position. If Nollski can find his game and regain that offence, then the Terriers will have a threat that other teams need to key in on, which will open up opportunities for the rest of the line-up.
Stats Leaders For Yorkton:
Goals: Nelson (3)
Assists: Several at (3)
Points: Hall, Kruska & Nelson (5)
PIM: Nollski (38)
Goalie: Allen 5-1-0, 2.15, 0.941% 1SO 1G