With the stellar goaltending of 20-year-old Dylan Wells, the Bonnyville Jr. A Pontiacs collected three of a possible four points this weekend, losing 2-1 to the Kodiaks in a shootout in Camrose Friday, before claiming a 2-0 win over the Steel in St. Albert Sunday afternoon.
Wells stopped 58 of 59 shots in the two starts, and said he felt focused and comfortable in the crease over the weekend.
“I'm feeling great,” said Wells, following his second shutout of the season Sunday. “I'm very thankful for the opportunity to play this weekend — the more I play, the better I feel. My team was there for me and I was just happy to be able to make the saves I needed to make and give our team a chance to win.”
Wells and his counterpart, Curtis Honey, have split starts this season and the tactic has paid off for the team and goalies, with both netminders putting up excellent numbers, including 11 wins for Wells and 10 for Honey.
“We are both really good friends and we push each other to be better,” said Wells. “I think the dynamics will stay very similar to the way you've seen them so far this season. We're both able and ready to play any given game and that's what's expected of us.”
Pontiacs head coach and general manager Chad Mercier commended both goalies for their play this season, believing he has two of the top goalies in the league.
“They have both played tremendous this season. They put the team and their job in net ahead of themselves and that's why they've both been able to come in and put up strong performances when called upon,” Mercier explained.
Wells was honoured with the Pontiacs game star in both games this weekend.
Putting up the goals in front of him were the usual suspects, as forward Tanner Dusyk scored the only goal in Friday's game, with teammate Tommy Barszcz picking up the assist.
The two hooked up again in Sunday's win, with Barszcz scoring the winner halfway through the third period and Dusyk adding a powerplay goal late in the game for good measure. Levi Ansell, picked up an assist on the winner, while twin brother Dallas and defenceman Blake Leask added assists on the powerplay marker. Dusyk also picked up an assist on Barszcz's goal, giving him a team-leading 30 points on the season. Barszcz also leads the team 15 goals.
Mercier was pleased with his top line, but mentioned his hardworking fourth-liners and their efforts over the weekend.
“I thought Domoslai was outstanding for us. It really speaks to the character of this young man,” said Mercier.
“We saw a lot of speed out of him, some really smart play. He really brings us that depth and energy we need moving forward.”
The Pontiacs now sit tied with the Lloydminster Bobcats and the Sherwood Park Crusaders for third in the AJHL's North Division, with 45 points, 12 back of the league-leading Spruce Grove Saints.
The Pontiacs will play back-to-back games at home against the Grande Prairie Storm this weekend. Puck drops at 7 p.m. both Friday and Saturday.
The Pontiacs made one move before the AJHL's Dec. 1 roster cut down, adding 18-year-old forward Keith Csizmadia from the Drumheller Dragons for cash. Csizmadia played in Friday's game but had to return to Drumheller for his SAT. exam, missing Sunday's game. Mercier said the Calgary native will provide the team with speed and energy and believes he will fit in well with this group.
The injuries continue for the Pontiacs, as defenceman Jordon Krankowsky left Sunday's game with an injury.
