The Bonnyville Jr. A Pontiacs edged the Fort McMurray Oil Barons twice last week to improve their preseason record to 3-2.
Six different Pontiacs scored goals on Friday night as Bonnyville slipped past the visiting Oil Barons 6-5 at the RJ Lalonde Arena.
“Offensively to score six goals in this league, you have to be doing something right. Guys were burying their chances around the net,” said assistant coach Craig Cuthbert, who has manned the Pontiacs bench throughout the preseason.
After Fort McMurray opened the scoring early in the first period, Alden Dupuis and Chad Hurtubise scored minutes apart to give Bonnyville the lead.
Austin Holmes added a goal before the end of the first frame, sending it tied 2-2 into the break.
The Pontiacs were aided by some Fort McMurray penalty troubles early on in the second period and capitalized to jump out in front.
Defenseman Carter Rhine found a loose puck in the slot and whacked it home to make it 3-2. Josh Borynec then spun around in the slot and slid one in to make it 4-2.
Borynec would add another minutes later and Bonnyville took a 5-3 lead into the second intermission.
Early in the third forward Bobby McMann was set up by Parker Foo and snapped one home to continue his hot streak in the preseason. The goal put Bonnyville up 6-3 and was all the insurance they needed.
While the Pontiacs had a few breakdowns in the final minutes of the game they were able to walk away with a 6-5 victory.
“We had a couple break downs and the puck ended up in our net,” said Cuthbert. “It is still early. I don't think it is a time to worry. There are a few things we need to clean up, but for the most part I thought we were pretty tight and played a good game.”
The Pontiacs traveled to Fort McMurray on Wednesday night and squeaked out a 5-4 road victory at the Casman Centre.
An Austin Homes hat trick wasn't enough for the hometown Oil Barons, as Bonnyville received goals from Lane Lightning, Dupuis (2), Derek Brown and Garrett Jenkins.
After Bonnyville blew a 4-2 lead early in the third period, Jenkins scored to put the Pontiacs ahead for good.
The Pontiacs will now look to finalize up their roster in prepration for the opening night of the regular season.
“There are a lot of tough decisions to be made just to see where guys fit in,” said Cuthbert. “As a whole the guys have impressed us. The veterans and the rookies have all been pushing for a roster spot and to be in the lineup for the home opener.”
Bonnyville will entertain the Lloyminster Bobcats on Friday night at 7:30 in their regular season home opener.
