The series is tied 1-1 after the Pontiacs took the Fort McMurray Oil Barons 3-2 last night. The venue will now shift to Bonnyville's R.J. Lalonde Arena for game three Wednesday.
The Bonnyville Jr. A Pontiacs parlayed a tremendous second period, where they scored three goals, and took the home ice from the Oil Barons for what has now become a best-of-five series.
Pontiacs head coach Chad Mercier said he did not think his team came out as hard as it should have, but his players really came together in the second period.
“That's a combination of ourselves and also Fort McMurray feeding off a big win the night before. But in the second we had a real good response, obviously it was a big period for us. And in the third we bent at times, but didn't break, getting some key saves from (goaltender) Julien (Laplante). I think his response was great.”
The Pontiacs picked up goals from Dante Borrelli, Devon Kalinski and Ryan Kearns, all in the second period.
With Pontiacs captain Michael Westfall out in game one and listed as day-to-day with an upper body injury, other players had to step up.
“You don't replace him with one guy. It's a committee out there and I thought everybody on the back end elevated their play,” said Mercier.
Entering the lineup in Westfall's place was 18-year-old Redford Swan, playing in his first AJHL playoff game.
Swan found himself playing some key minutes towards the end of the third period, as the Oil Barons were pressing for the tying goal.
Mercier said of his defender, “He played the way we know he is capable of playing. He moved the puck quickly and raised the level of compete.”
Mercier added all his players are going to have to continue to raise their level of play if they want to continue to have any playoff success.
Game three goes Wednesday at the R.J. Lalonde Arena with the puck drop at 7 p.m. The Nouvelle will be out in the stands looking for the most enthusiastic fans.
Visit the Nouvelle's website for all your Pontiacs' playoff coverage.
