Story Coming In:
After a weekend sweep of the La Ronge Ice Wolves and Nipawin Hawks, the Terriers find themselves sitting in 7th place in SJHL, and looking to continue their climb. Just two points ahead of Yorkton are the Notre Dame Hounds, who also have three games on hand. Continued success is not just important in order to catch the teams ahead of Yorkton, but also to remain in a playoff position. Nipawin is one point behind Yorkton, Kindersley and La Ronge are two, while Melville is in 11th place, four points behind the Terriers. The road games this weekend will be tough, playing against Melfort and Estevan, both teams Yorkton haven’t defeated yet. One gets the feeling that the Terriers need points against both opponents in order to maintain their place.
View From Melfort:
It’s a four game losing streak for the Mustangs, including three in a shootout. However, Melfort still has confidence coming into tonight’s contest. Not only are they starting to get key players back from injury, but the Mustangs have also won all three games against Yorkton this season. All three games have been decided by two goals or less, while James Venne has a pair of victories for Melfort. A win is also very important for the Mustangs, as the pack is starting to catch up with them, with Notre Dame only four points back. Newly acquired Nolan Doell will continue to look to make an impact, having posted four points in four games with the Mustangs. If he starts to break-out, then it will open up opportunities for the entire Mustang lineup.
Breaking Out:
It was an exceptional November for Parker Jasper. Not only did the Regina product tally his first career SJHL goal, but the 18-year-old was also tied for most points by a defenceman during the month with 10. Among those 10 points were four on the power-play, one shorthanded assist, and a five game point streak. All that while playing important minutes in all situations next to the longest tenured Terrier, Tyson Janzen. Jasper has developed nicely and looks to be among the league’s best. If he can continue his hot play, while remaining strong in his own zone, the Terriers should catapult themselves into the playoffs.
Tale of the Tape
Yorkton Terriers (11-12-0-3 – 25 points) Melfort Mustangs (13-8-1-4 – 31 points)
2nd Viterra Division/ 7th SJHL 2nd Sherwood Division/ 5th SJHL
Powerplay: 11/102 – 10.8% (11th SJHL) Powerplay: 24/121 – 19.8% (6th SJHL)
Penalty Kill: 107/121 – 88.4% (3rd SJHL) Penalty Kill: 96/114 – 84.2% (4th SJHL)
Last Ten: 4-3-0-3 Streak: 2-0-0-0 Last Ten: 3-3-1-3 Streak: 0-1-0-3
Stats Leaders For Yorkton:
Goals: Gervais (9)
Assists: Janzen (11)
Points: Janzen (16)
PIM: Norum (42)
Goalie: DePape 9-6-0-3, 1.96, 0.925%, 2 SO