It was a busy weekend for NCHL teams as five games were played. Devon Barons again took over top spot in the North Division by virtue of their 8-1 win in Morinville, while South co-leaders Lacombe Generals and Red Deer Rustlers still remain tied at the top of the South Division, setting up a first place showdown in Penhold on Saturday.
Bonnyville Pontiacs had a tough weekend, losing in Camrose 8-2 on Friday, and then bowing to the Wetaskiwin Longhorns 7-4 on Saturday. In Friday's matchup, Camrose's special teams were a factor as they scored once shorthanded and another four times on the power play, outshooting the Pontiacs 62-34 in the decisive win. Brett Njaa (1-3-4) had his biggest points night of the season, also scoring were Carter Danczak (2-0-2), Lane Lightning (1-2-3), Joren Johnson (1-2-3), William Raymond (1-1-2), David Jacobsen and Dylan Buffalo. Curtis Skip picked up the win stopping 32 of 34 shots. Replying for the Pontiacs were Thomas Rosenberger and Denis Cadrin. On Saturday, the Pontiacs were in Wetaskiwin with a short bench and were undone by a second period that saw the Longhorns take control. The Pontiacs made a late push to get to 6-4 but an empty net goal by Ryley Bennefield sealed the deal. Bennefield (3-2-5) lead the way with his biggest output of the season. Others to score were Kyle Fecho (1-1-2), Zach Ayotte, Eric Sonnenberg, and Maverick Lines (1-1-2) while Dakota Conroy added 0-4-4. Longhorn's goaltender Donovan Auger picked up the win in his first start of the season as the Pontiacs outshot Wetaskiwin 50-40.
Also on Saturday, Devon dumped the hometown Morinville Kings 8-1, and coupled with Westlock's loss, again took over top spot in the North Division. The Barons took period leads of 2-0 and 4-1 before blowing the game open with four unanswered goals in the third period. Baron's rookie Chris Van Os Shaw (3-1-4) had a big night as did veteran Brandon Powlik (1-2-3). Others to get on the scoresheet were Mason Kunka (2-0-2), Braiden Doucette (1-1-2), and Cody Issler. Mike Gudmanson picked up his 4th win of the season as he turned away 32 of 33 King's shots. Scoring for Morinville was Cole Gupta with his 4th of the season while rookie goaltender Ryen Papirny took the loss.
Westlock failed to keep pace with Devon as they were dumped 8-2 by the hometown Lacombe Generals. Jamie Johnson kept up his torrid pace with (2-2-4) to lead the Generals to the win. Johnson has picked up 12 points (5-7-12) in his last 3 games to take a 5 point lead in the scoring race ahead of Red Deer's Tyler Berkholtz. Others to hit the scoresheet for the Generals were Taylor Mulder (1-1-2), Thomas Beretta (1-1-2), Tyrell Bourk (1-1-2), Tyler Chavez Leech (1-1-2), Cam Maclise (1-2-3) and Bryce Wilson. Beaudon Rider kicked in with 0-3-3. Mac Engel picked up his league leading 6th win of the season turning away 32 of 34 shots. Kyle Dronyk scored both goals for the Warriors and Keegan Richards took the loss to even his record at 3-3.
The last game of the weekend saw Red Deer upend visiting Camrose 6-3 behind 2 goals from Rustler's rookie defenceman Gabe Bast The game was close as the Rustlers took 1-0 and 3-1 period leads before outscoring the Bruins 3-1 (en) to seal the win. Nate Higgins (1-1-2), Chris Rauckman (1-2-3), Donovon Lumb (1-1-2), and Tyler Berkholtz (1-2-3) all tallied for the Rustlers and rookie goaltender Brodan Salmond picked up his 5th win of the season. Camrose goals were scored by Jarod Hovde, Lane Lightning (his team leading 11th), and AP Kobe Charchun with his first NCHL goal Connor Dobberthein had a strong game, turning away 50 of the 55 shots the Rustlers sent his way.
This weekend marks the end of the 2023 portion of the schedule as all teams will take a break over Christmas and New Years There are 4 games scheduled.
Devon and Bonnyville play twice, in Bonnyville, Saturday and Sunday. Devon has an opportunity to put some distance between themselves and Westlock, who are now idle until the new year. Bonnyville can make things really interesting in the North Division if they can pull off a couple of wins.
On Saturday, the Wetaskiwin Longhorns travel to Morinville to take on the Kings. It's been a trying season so far for the Kings and a win versus Wetaskiwin won't be easy. For the Longhorns, a win will keep them close to the Division leaders.
Also on Saturday, the top 2 teams in the South Division will go at it in Penhold to determine who takes the lead into the last 1/3 of the season. in their only meeting back on Nov 18, the Rustlers defeated the hometown Generals 4-2.
WESTLOCK
CAMROSE
STONY PLAIN
DEVON
LACOMBE
WETASKIWIN
INNISFAIL
TOFIELD
MORINVILLE
