The Bonnyville Jr. A Pontiacs are on a bit of a win streak after three back-to-back victories.
Their first taste of success was on home ice in their matchup against the Sherwood Park Crusaders, followed by two wins on the road.
Head coach Rick Swan noted the team’s success builds off of previous seasons and their dedicated fans.
“It’s real important that these guys understand it’s their obligation to stand on the shoulders of those that played before them so they can enjoy the success today. It wasn’t always like this where we’re fighting for the top spot of the north division, it was exactly the opposite, but... those fans supported us, so that’s pretty important and proud for us to give our fans an opportunity to have a team that can compete with the best teams in the AJHL,” expressed Swan.
Pontiacs win dog fight over Crusaders
Tensions were high when the two top teams in the north faced-off at the R.J. Lalonde Arena on Wednesday, Jan. 24.
“I thought it was a game that was indicative of what we’re going to expect in playoffs, and I think we played a complete game,” Swan stressed.
The teams were evenly matched for most of the first, until Pontiac Grayson Constable found the back of the net with an unassisted goal.
“I think scoring first was really big for us,” expressed Pontiac goaltender Colby Muise.
Constable would add another point for the home team less than 15 seconds into the second period with another unassisted goal, bringing the Pontiacs lead to 2-0.
Jeremy Gervais capitalized on a powerplay to add his name to the scoresheet shortly after.
Sherwood Park refused to let the Pontiacs carry their 3-0 lead into the third frame, scoring a goal of their own.
Constable netted a hat trick with a powerplay goal less than six minutes into the final period.
“Gervais made a hell of a pass through some sticks, and I ended up finding a slot,” Constable recalled.
The Crusaders answered with another goal of their own, but wouldn’t be able to close the gap.
The last goal of the game went to Joel Ray, who solidified the Pontiacs’ 5-2 victory.
Swan and Constable agreed Muise stood out that night with 34 saves.
“He really calmed things down for us to allow us to regroup and create offence,” Swan said.
Bonnyville conquers the Thunder
It was their first game of the weeked road trip on Friday, Jan. 25. The Pontiacs were visiting the Drayton Valley Thunder, where they celebrated a 3-0 victory.
It was Gervais who stepped up to the plate to deliver the Pontiacs first goal of the night. With less than five minutes remaining in the first, Gervais put the Pontiacs on the scoreboard.
Constable would follow suit with a goal of his own in the second.
Topping the night off with their third and final point less than a minute into the third was Luke Albert.
Third win for Pontiacs
The Spruce Grove Saints were left licking their wounds after the Bonnyville Pontiacs swooped in for an 8-1 win on Saturday, Jan. 26.
Even though they were on enemy territory, Bonnyville showed the Saints how it’s done.
They started the scoring off with a powerplay goal from Joel Ray just minutes into the first.
That momentum carried on throughout the period with Noah Lugli scoring one of his own.
Also capitalizing on a powerplay was Constable.
Landing the final goal of the first frame was Ray, with less than seven minutes left.
The Saints finally found the scoreboard with a goal late in the second period.
Bonnyville added to their lead less than one minute later with a goal from Marc-Antoine Benoit.
Heading into the third 5-1, the Pontiacs were confident.
Benoit added his name to the scoresheet for a second time that night on a powerplay.
Two minutes later, Bonnyville once again had the man advantage.
Albert capitalized, bringing the score up 7-1.
Ending the night was Lucas Thorne, who found the back of the net with just over four minutes left in the game.
The Pontiacs next home game will take place at the R.J. Lalonde Arena. They will face-off against the Lloydminster Bobcats on Wednesday, Jan. 30 at 7:30 p.m.
-With files from Meagan MacEachern
