Story Coming In:
Led by their offense, Yorkton has the longest active winning streak in the SJHL at three games. The Terriers have scored at least five goals in each of their victories, including eight against Melville on Friday night. Leading the way has been the duo of Pavel McKenzie and Karsten Kruska, who combined for 17 points over the three games, while Dylan Ruptash and Clay Sleeva chipped in with four points each. Now the Terriers take on a much tougher opponent in the Humboldt Broncos. Yorkton has lost both games to Humboldt, 6-3 and 4-0. The Terriers will need to be sharp defensively against a well balanced offense, get some good goaltending, and be opportunistic if they want to come away with a split against one of the league’s best.
View From Humboldt:
The Broncos are in a dog fight for second place in the SJHL. Currently they lead the Flin Flon by a point and have a game in hand over the Bombers. The Broncos have been in terrific form having won 16 of their last 19 games. Their depth is tremendous. Take away Jacob Boucher and you have to deal with Spencer Bell, eliminate Ethan Zielke and you have to contend with Cage Newans, silence Alec Saretzky and you’re stuck with Matthew Van Blaricom. Their defense is also deep and veteran laden, while the goaltending duo of Jared Picklyk and Benjamin Motew could be among the league’s elite. With Humboldt looking to secure a league title for the first time since 2012, this roster could be the one to do it.
Ode To The Vets:
This weekend will be about the overaged Terriers. Fans will get their last look of Logan Cyca, Greg Nelson, Karsten Kruska, JD Hall, Maddux Nollski and Cohner Saleski in a Terrier uniform. Each of them have had their own unique impact on the team and the community. Whether it’s returning from a devastating injury to lead the team in scoring through February, being a standout penalty kill specialist, having a skill set that makes opposing defenses’ nervous or being the heartbeat of the team and reaching out into the community, these fine young men have made an impact on Yorkton that won’t easily be forgotten. Yes, the season did not go the way the Terriers wanted, but these young men are winners in our books and there aren’t many others out there who can match the character that these six have. To all of our 20’s and 21’s, thank you for everything you’ve done for Yorkton.
Stats Leaders For Yorkton:
Goals: Ruptash (22)
Assists: Hall & Ruptash (19)
Points: Ruptash (41)
PIM: Mayes (221)
Goalie: Allen 16-24-1, 3.86, 0.896% 1SO 1G