The Bonnyville Jr. A Pontiacs exploded for four goals in the third period of game three Monday night to cruise to a 5-2 victory to sweep the Sherwood Park Crusaders in round one of the Alberta Junior Hockey League playoffs for the second year in a row.
The Pontiacs will now face the Fort McMurray Oil Barons in round two of the AJHL playoffs, with the first two games taking place in Fort McMurray, who finished just ahead of the Pontiacs in the North Division standings during the regular season.
Bonnyville took the season series with Fort McMurray 4-2, with the Pontiacs outscoring the Oil Barons 19-13.
After a slow start and only six shots on net through one period in Sherwood Park Monday, it appeared the Pontiacs were not pushing hard to sweep the opening-round series.
But a 15-shot outburst in the second period, resulting in a goal off the stick of Pontiacs forward Kevin Carthy, left the game tied 1-1 after 40 minutes of play.
Knowing they could get some well-deserved rest if they swept the series, the Pontiacs dominated the third period, scoring four goals and sending the Crusaders to the sidelines for the second year in a row.
On Friday it was Ryan Kearns with the overtime winner, while on Saturday it was Jake Towriss with his natural hat trick who were in the spotlight, but the entire team came through Monday night as they left no doubt who the better team was in this series.
The Pontiacs got goals from Chad Crawford - his first as a Pontiac - Tyler Henry, Ryan Kearns and Donnie Harris in their third period explosion, wrapping up the win and the series sweep.
The AJHL is expected to announce dates for the Fort McMurray-Pontiacs series early this week. Check the Nouvelle's website for updates.
Regular-season champion Spruce Grove will take on the winner of the opening round series between the Lloydminister Bobcats and Grand Prairie Storm in the other North Division semi-final series. The Storm lead that best-of-five series 2-1.
