Three of the four games scheduled for last weekend came off without a hitch. Unfortunately, Fort Saskatchewan's roster was hit with the flu bug and they couldn't ice a team for their home opener against Westlock on Saturday. Both managers are trying to come up with a replacement date.
In the other games, Camrose spoiled Red Deer's home opener with a come from behind 7-4 win over the Rustlers. The Rustlers led 3-2 going into the 3rd period when the Crush scored 5 times (2 empty netters) to seal the win and keep them unbeaten so far this season.
Lacombe also kept their unbeaten streak alive with a 5-2 home ice win over Morinville.
On Sunday, Red Deer made the trek east to take on Bonnyville in the Pontiac's 70th season home opener and came out on top by an 8-1 score.
My picks for the Players of the Week are:
Landon Oslanski - Camrose 0-6-6 vs Red Deer
Dylan Houston - Red Deer 1-4-5 vs Bonnyville
Tyler Berkholtz - Red Deer 2-3-5 vs Bonnyville
As usual, there were a number of honourable mentions:
RJ Reed - Camrose - 3-0-3 vs Red Deer
Ryley Bennefield - Camrose 3-0-3 vs Red Deer
Thomas Ward-Cardinal - Camrose 0-3-3 vs Red Deer
Cam Maclise - Lacombe 2-0-2 vs Morinville
Jonny Li - Red Deer 1-2-3 vs Bonnyville
Devon Carroll - Red Deer - stopped 35/36 to pick up his first NCHL win.
There are 4 games scheduled for this weekend.
Morinville at Devon on Friday
Fort Saskatchewan at Red Deer on Saturday
Camrose at Bonnyville on Saturday
Westlock at Bonnyville on Sunday.