After dropping the team's third game in a row to began the month of February, the Bonnyville Jr. A Pontiacs have rebounded with three straight wins, including a 4-1 over win over Spruce Grove Friday in Bonnyville and a 7-3 shellacking of the Bobcats Saturday in Lloydminster.
Part of the late-season turnaround is due to the engagement of the veterans, said Pontiacs head coach and general manager Chad Mercier.
“The veterans we've talked about needing more from, we're getting a lot more from and if that leadership by example continues, we're going to continue to have success.”
On Friday, it was 20-year-old forward Levi Ansell stepping up for the Pontiacs, scoring two goals, including the game winner, in Friday's win over the Saints.
On Saturday, it was another 20-year-old, Ty Carey, doing his part, scoring two goals and adding an assist. But it wasn't just on offence that Carey stood out. He was all over the ice, throwing hits, and even dropping the mitts after a Bobcats player ran Pontiacs goalie Steven Klein.
“Those are the kinds of things we like to see and the kind of things that get your teammates going,” said Mercier.
“We're really sticking together as a team,” said Carey. “We're going to the net, getting those greasy goals. When there's a scrum, all five guys are right in it.”
He said the team-game will have to continue for the Pontiacs to have success in the playoffs.
With the wins, the Pontiacs currently sit alone in second place in the AJHL's North Division, with 65 points, just two back of first place Spruce Grove.
Bonnyville has just six games remaining in the regular season, including two at home this week.
The Pontiacs will take on Sherwood Park on Thursday and Spruce Grove on Friday. The games will be played at the RJ Lalonde Arena, with puck drop scheduled for 7 p.m. both nights.
