The Lakeland Jr. B Heat got back into the win column on Sunday afternoon, walking all over the Edmonton Blues in Cold Lake.
The 12-3 victory at the Energy Centre snapped a four game losing streak for the Lakeland squad and gave the team their first win in 28 days.
The win came on the heels of a tough loss the day before in Bonnyville to the Sherwood Park Titans.
The Titans scored seven goals with the man-advantage en route to a 16-12 victory.
“Their powerplay was the difference. We just have to stay out of the box,” said coach Brian Wareham. “We have to watch our sticks. We don't get a lot of penalties, but when we do they hurt us.”
The Heat led 1-0 early before three straight powerplay goals turned the tables and put the Titans in front.
The Lakeland team managed to battle back and tie the game, with the scored going back and forth for most of the first two periods. It wasn't until late in the second period when the visitors were able to pull away.
Sherwood Park notched scored five straight goals, including three more on the powerplay to put themselves firmly in front 15-8.
The Heat attempted to come back scoring four more goals of their own late in the third period, but were unable to get close.
“The flow of the game was great. We just need to stay out of the box,” said Wareham.
“After today we definite have to work on our penalty kill and get our defensive guys going. We tend to chase the ball a little bit versus playing the box or diamond.”
Several regulars were out of the Heat lineup due to the provincial high school track and field champions.
Wareham says he was impressed with the way his team played over the weekend, and was especially pleased with the younger players who jumped into new roles.
“It was a good game. They guys didn't quit. They played well,” said Wareham.
The Heat, who now sit with a 5-6 record, are back in action this coming weekend with a pair of games at the Cold Lake Energy Centre.
On Saturday they will host the struggling Edmonton Wizards (1-10), then they will entertain the undefeated Fort Saskatchewan Rebels (10-0).
