It was a full schedule on Saturday where the division leaders solidified their spots with wins and a new scoring leader emerged. After sitting in the top spot for a couple of weeks, Lane Lightning was overtaken by Lacombe's Jamie Johnson for the overall scoring lead, while 2-time scoring champ Tyler Berkholtz of the Rustlers moved into second place.
Devon went into Morinville and kept the Kings winless with a 4-0 victory, the second consecutive game that Morinville has been shut out. This time, newly signed goaltender Wayne Henke picked up the goose egg in his first NCHL start. Aric Schinke, Ryley Zaft, Chris Van Os Shaw and Dayton Heino scored for the Barons who outshot the Kings 42-22. With the win, Devon remained in second place one point behind Westlock and 3 in front of 3rd place Bonnyville.
Red Deer kept their spot as co-leaders of the South Division with a convincing 9-3 road win over Camrose. The Rustlers built up an 8-0 3rd period lead before Camrose struck for some late goals. Rustler's net minder Brodan Salmond was again solid in goal, stopping 44 of 47 shots he faced. The game was a chippy affair with multiple misconducts and game misconducts issued. Tyler Berkholtz (3-1-4), Zachary Evans-Renaud (2-0-2), Lane Sim (2-0-2) lead the way offensively for the Rustlers with Dustin Claffey and Tim Vanstone adding singles. Replying for the Bruins were Jordan Sand, Jakob Chamberlin and Ashton Kelly, while defenseman Landon Oslanski chipped in with a couple of helpers. Camrose remains in 4th place in the South, 2 points back of Wetaskiwin.
The Longhorns failed to keep pace in the South Division as they were dumped 5-2 by the North Division leaders Westlock Warriors in Westlock. The Warriors jumped into a 4-1 first period lead and never looked back as rookie goaltender Lars Kaliel stopped 36 of 38 shots. Donovan Auger started in goal for the Longhorns but was replaced in the second period by AP callup Carson Cairns, who turned away 22 of the 23 shots Westlock sent his way. Kyle Dronyk, Caleb Griffin, Alan Borle, Jesse Morrison and Blair Boulerice notched singles for the Warriors. Replying for the Longhorns were Zach Ayotte and Michael Claffey. With the win, Westlock stays on top of the North Division, while Wetaskiwin remains in 3rd place in the South, falling 2 points behind Red Deer and Lacombe.
The Generals made the long trip to Bonnyville and it took them a while to find their stride as Bonnyville played them close for 2 periods. They found their stride in the 3rd period when they outscored the Pontiacs 6-0 to blow open a close game. Jamie Johnson had a big game for the Generals picking up 2-4-6, while captain Cam Maclise chipped in with 2-3-5. Beaudon Rider (1-2-3), Patrick Martens (2-1-3) also had multiple point games while singles were tallied by Tyler Chavez-Leech. Kyle Maas and Scott Doucet. Mack Engel picked up the win stopping 23 of 27 shots. Coltan Buchta continued his strong play by scoring 2-1-3, while Dallas Desjarlais and captain Lucas Isley notched single goals. Drew Fleury took the loss in net for the Pontiacs. The win keeps Lacombe in a first place tie with Red Deer in the South, while Bonnyvile remains in 3rd place in the North.
There are 4 games scheduled for this weekend, starting Friday in Devon where the Barons will host Westlock in a battle for first place On Saturday, Lacombe heads for Camrose to take on the Bruins, Red Deer is in Wetaskiwin to tangle with the Longhorns and Bonnyville travels to Westlock to meet the Warriors.
Here are the team penalty totals for the 1/3 mark of the schedule:
Red Deer - 148
Morinville - 146
Camrose - 145
Wetaskiwin - 123
Westlock - 102
Devon - 96
Bonnyville - 54
Lacombe - 53
Don't forget the Daysland North Stars Alumni Night that's being held next weekend in Camrose. Any former Daysland players, coaches, management, staff and spouses are welcome to attend $20/ea. Please reach out to camrosebruins@gmail.com to ensure your spot.
WESTLOCK
CAMROSE
STONY PLAIN
DEVON
LACOMBE
WETASKIWIN
INNISFAIL
TOFIELD
MORINVILLE
