Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League

Yorkton Wraps Up Pre-Christmas Schedule Against Battlefords

Photo Credit: Simple Shots By Jackie

Story Coming In:

The Terriers stuck with, and at time outplayed, Battlefords on Thursday through the first 40 minutes of play, but then the North Stars, with help with some questionable officiating, took over the third period. Now entering the final game before the Christmas break, the Terriers get a rematch against the North Stars with a chance to avenge Thursday’s 9-6 loss. The line of Logan Cyca, Brett Butz and Greg Nelson were terrific, combining for 11 points. The Terriers also got a goal on the power-play and shorthanded. One thing that must improve for the Terriers to have a chance to win is the penalty kill. Yorkton gave up four power-play goals on five chances, which turned the tide of the game on Thursday. Having preached all year the importance of a full 60 minute effort, the Terriers will get a chance to put that in motion before they take a three week break.             

View From Battlefords:

The streak is now 30 games without a regulation loss for Battlefords. After the 9-6 victory over Yorkton on Thursday, the North Stars squeeked past Melville 3-2 in overtime Friday night. Zane Florence played the role of hero for Battlefords, who erased a 2-0 deficit in the third period thanks to goals from Holden Doell and Jake Southgate. With an assist, Kian Bell’s point streak remains intact at 10 games, while he joins Doell and Southgate to form the most lethal top line in the SJHL having combined for 141 points in 30 games. Josh Kotai was also outstanding in goal, turning aside 38 of 40 Melville shots in the win. Don’t be surprised if the North Stars turn to him in goal against Yorkton, after a poor performance by Justen Maric on Thursday. It’s the last game before the break for the North Stars and time will tell if they are looking ahead to the time off, or if the are motivated to keep the streak alive.

 

Building Chemistry:

One line that is starting to come together for the Yorkton Terriers is Brett Butz, Greg Nelson and Logan Cyca. Having been put together over the last two weeks, this line has combined for 21 points over the last 6 games. It may not sound like much, but for the Terriers, who are looking for the right combinations, it’s a starting point. Cyca and Nelson, a pair of 20-year-old veterans, lead by example and crash the net. Meanwhile, Butz has been the set-up man, with eight assists over those six games. This line will need to continue to produce for Yorkton if they want success and early indictions show that they are capable. It would also be huge for the Terriers to receive an increase in productions from their 20-year-olds, something that has been lacking in the first half of the season. 

 

Stats Leaders For Yorkton:

Goals: Ruptash (13)

Assists: Butz (13)

Points:  Ruptash (22)

PIM: Mayes (121)

Goalie: Allen 12-14-0, 3.87, 0.896% 1SO 1G