The Bonnyville Jr. A Pontiacs continued their winning streak during the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) showcase
“It was a great result. Anytime you can come in and get four points to continue a win streak,” recalled head coach Rick Swan.
The team continued to build on their previous success, following back-to-back wins at home.
Their weekend performance allowed the Pontiacs to shine, while giving them the opportunity to examine the competition.
“It’s a huge weekend from an individual standpoint for a player perspective. It’s an opportunity, as well, for coaches to see what we’re going to be involved with this year. We haven’t seen the south division yet... It gives us a chance to see what our north division competition bears against the south division,” Swan said.
Clawing at the competition
The Pontiacs started their game against the Olds Grizzlys fast.
Isaac Saniga was the first to find the back of the net during their Thursday, Sept. 27 matchup. He scored less than five minutes into the game.
The Grizzly’s quickly followed suit, tying it up 1-1.
But the Pontiacs wouldn’t wait long to respond. They scored four more goals within the first frame.
Bobby Young and Saniga both capitalized on a powerplay, while Daine Dubois and Marc-Antoine Benoit brought the the score to 5-1 by the end of the period.
In the second, the Grizzlys added to the scoreboard, bringing it up to 5-2.
It wouldn’t be long before Bonnyville would once again get one past the Grizzlys’ goalie.
Noah Westgate found the back of the net just over four minutes into the final period.
Olds would score their final goal of the night during a powerplay.
Pontiac Joel Ray took advantage of an extra man during a powerplay, scoring his first and final goal of the game.
Benoit sealed the Pontiacs’ 8-3 win with his second goal.
Another strong showing at the showcase
Saniga started the Pontiacs scoring with less than a minute on the clock during their game against the Calgary Canucks on Sept. 28.
Ethan Leyer quickly followed his teammate’s lead, and scored the team’s second goal just seconds later.
Two more goals would follow, with Grayson Constable and Ty Enns bringing the score to 4-0.
Pontiac Lucas Thorne got the lone goal of the second period.
The Canucks would capitalize in the third, scoring their only goal of the game.
The Pontiacs celebrated their second win of the AJHL showcase in Camrose.
While the local team proved successful, Swan said the Pontiacs are looking to improve as the season progresses.
“From a team standpoint, we still have lots of work to do. But, it shows that, at this point in the season, we’ve put ourselves in a pretty good spot standings-wise. Knowing we still have a lot of work, that’s an optimistic thing for us,” Swan expressed.
Next, the Pontiacs will face-off at home against the Spruce Grove Saints on Oct. 5, followed by a matchup against the Drayton Valley Thunder on Oct. 7.
