The Wainwright Bisons are this year's Junior B hockey's crowned champions after they belted four consecutive wins against the Lac La Biche Clippers in the final playoff series.
After two away losses last week in Wainwright, the Junior B Clippers were optimistic that the last wekend's two home ice games would bring a good advantage — but that wasn't the case. Friday's game at the Bold Center was more of a one-sided affair with the Bisons stampeding to an 8-2 win, leaving Sunday as a final stand for the Clippers to continue the best-of-seven series. And despite the Clippers rallying in the third period to tie the game at four, they couldn't keep up the pressure and the home team ended on the wrong side of a 7-4 result.
"In the last seven minutes, we tuckered out," said Clippers coach Stan Houle, adding that injuries had caused the team to go into the game with a shorter bench than expected. "It was pretty tough, we expected guys back but they were beat up. We went with only two lines. But, they played hard. We were right there except for the last seven minutes. Back to back goals two minutes apart. They are too good of a team, once they were up two goals, it was pretty tough."
Despite the team needing some more work when it comes to numbers, the young Clippers squad still put in a great fight throughout the season which helped them reach the final against some good experienced teams, says the coach while also mentioning how the young boys have their eyes on next year's trophy, no matter what it takes.
"It was still a good year, were made it to the final... Now we know, we know how to build a winner next year. We need to add more depth, a little more solidness in the players. Next year, we will focus on finding four key guys and I think that's all we will need is four key players. Probably two offensive players, one defensive player and a couple of role guys. We will be celebrating next year here," said Houle.
As the coach, the team's staff and the players looks forward towards next year after this year's success, they will start scouting as soon as they can, says the coach. He is also very thankful from all the continuous support the team has received from the fans in the communities throughout the region.
"Make sure, you thank the fans," said the coach referencing the news story. "We had a lot of support which continues to grow each year. Support from Lac La Biche, Kikino, Goodfish and Plamondon. Next year we will be scouting, I think we are four players away from winning it all... It was a good season. You will be taking a picture of us next year celebrating," said Houle.
