The Bonnyville Sr. Pontiacs enjoyed the perfect start to their season with two big wins away from home.
The season kicked off in Westlock Friday, Oct. 20, as the Sr. Pontiacs took on the Westlock Warriors. Despite giving up the first goal, the Pontiacs were able to respond with an explosive offensive performance in the second period.
“We were able to come away with a big 9-1 road victory to start the year. It was a battle, the score really didn't indicate the strength of Westlock. It was 1-1 after the first but we had a really big second period and got our offence going,” explained Sr. Pontiacs coach Corey Wandler.
The third period was equally as big for the Pontiacs, as they finished strong, tallying three in the final frame. While the score line tells a different story, Wandler added the game was a hard-fought battle.
Happy to get the year started on the right foot, the Pontiacs looked to carry momentum from their victory into Morinville for a matchup with the Kings, Sunday, Oct. 22.
The rematch of last year's playoff series was a much tighter affair for the Pontiacs. Heading into the second period down by two goals, the Pontiacs battled back and were able to tie it.
Mimicking their performance against Westlock, the Pontiacs used a quick transition game to create early season chemistry and came away with a 6-2 victory.
“We played these guys last year in the post-season so this was a good measuring stick for us. We had a really gutsy effort. We were short staffed up front but the guys battled through and had a great third period. We scored three in the first five minutes of the third and never looked back,” explained Wandler.
With the provincial championship tournament set to take place in Bonnyville this season, Wandler and the coaching staff couldn't have asked for a better start to the year.
Over the course of their opening matchups, a potent offensive attack was able to collect 15 goals in just two games while limiting their opponents to just seven. They'll look to continue the trend and build on their performances as the season progresses.
“I really liked our creativity. We have a lot of guys that can skate really well, and our transition game is good. We bring a lot of speed through the neutral zone and we have a lot of guys that can really shoot the puck,” said Wandler.
The Pontiacs next test will come Saturday, Oct. 28, on the road against the Devon Barons. Due to the league's Rocky Mountain House team folding, Bonnyville fans will have to wait until Saturday, Nov. 25 to see their Sr. Pontiacs at home as they'll take on the Eckville Eagles.
Until then, the Pontiacs will look to improve on a successful opening weekend and continue to separate themselves from the rest of the league in the standings.
“It's nice to get these four points, it gives us a bit of breathing room. There's a lot of parity in this league and with only 12 regular season games you can't afford to lose points. This is the start to the season we wanted, now we have to go into Devon like we went into Morinville,” stated Wandler.
