With just one lopsided loss over the weekend the Bonnyville Jr. A Pontiacs dropped from first to third in the AJHL's North Division standings.
The Pontiacs came out flat in front of a 672-person crowd at the R.J. Lalonde Arena last Friday against the Canmore Eagles, who capitalized, counting three goals in the first period and finishing off the Pontiacs by a score of 5-2.
The loss drops Bonnyville two points behind the Spruce Grove Saints for first in the division, though the Pontiacs have two games in hand on the Saints heading into this weekend's action.
Against the Eagles on Friday, it was penalty trouble that led to Bonnyville's early deficit. The Pontiacs took four penalties in the first period alone, two of which the Eagles capitalized on. Canmore added another late in the first for a 3-0 lead after one period of play.
The onslaught continued, as Canmore scored again early in the second period for a 4-0 lead.
Bonnyville seemed to show signs of the team that took hold of first place early this season, out hitting their opponent and eventually being rewarded with a goal late in the second period off the stick of forward Luke Mahura to cut the lead to 4-1. Linemate Sam Plaquin picked up the lone assist.
But just as it seemed things might have been turning around for the Pontiacs, the Eagles potted another goal just 16 seconds into the third period.
With seven powerplays on the night, Bonnyville had numerous chances on the man advantage, but it wasn't until second half of the third period that the special teams broke through.
On the Pontiacs sixth powerplay of the night, it was Mahura scoring his second of the game, to bring Bonnyville within three, but it was too little, too late.
Chad Mercier, Pontiacs head coach and general manager, said Canmore played a strong game, but he was not happy with his own team's effort on Friday.
“Canmore came and took it to us in our own rink,” said Mercier. “They deserve full marks for their effort. They played a great game, they played an inspired game, they played an energetic game and they deserve the result they got.”
Mercier said he wasn't happy with the work ethic of his team and that it will have to be addressed if they want to have long-term success.
“After a game like that, we know exactly where we're at,” he said. “We're going to find out what hard work is all about.”
After picking up five of a possible 10 points at home in October, the Pontiacs will look to get back into the win column as the team hits the road for a southern swing through Brooks, Okotoks and Canmore this weekend.
Bonnyville will play the Bandits Friday, the Oilers Saturday and the Eagles Sunday, before returning home to face the Fort McMurray Oil Barons on Oct. 30.
