The Vanberg Cup Division finals series continues on two fronts starting on Wednesday when the Red Deer Rustlers hope to keep their season alive with a home ice win over the Lacombe Generals, who currently lead their South Division finals series 3 games to 1. The Bonnyville Pontiacs are in a similar situation in the North Division finals as they trail the Devon Barons 3 games to 1 with game 5 scheduled for Friday in Devon.
The Pontiacs got back into their series with a 4-3 OT win in Devon on Saturday night thanks to a goal from Kona Jackson 1-1-2 with under 2 minutes left in the OT session. That came after Devon had battled back from a 3-1 third period deficit with 2 third period goals. Other Pontiac goal scorers were Scott Thackeray and Dyson Roy 2-0-2. Ryan Weitzel picked up the win for the Pontiacs in a game where the Barons had 2 penalty shots awarded (scored on 1). Replying for the Barons were Brody Beaulieu 1-1-2 (penalty shot), Matt Stefanishion, and Chris Van Os Shaw. Jordan Cooke took the loss.
In game #4 in Bonnyville on Sunday, the Barons jumped into a 4-1 first period lead and were in control as they dumped the Pontiacs 9-3 to take a 3-1 series lead. Chris Van Os Shaw 2-2-4 had a big night to lead the onslaught, with Cody Issler 1-1-2, Matt Maetche 2-0-2, Josh Dugas 1-2-3 and Mason Kunka 2-0-2 also tallying for the Barons. Kolter Pawlick turned away 38 shots to pick up the win. Mark Ouelette 1-1-2, and Jansen Pashniak 2-0-2 scored for the Pontiacs and Ryan Weitzel and Drew Fleury both saw action.
Over in the South Division, the Lacombe Generals took control of that series as they pounded the Red Deer Rustlers 9-1 on Saturday and 7-2 on Sunday to take a 3-1 series lead. In Saturday's game, the Generals busted open a close game with a 6 goal second period. Leading the way were Cam Maclise 2-3-5, Jamie Johnson 0-5-5, Craig Gans 2-2-4, Bryce Wilson 2-2-4, Scott Doucet, Thomas Beretta 1-2-3, and Troy Maclise 1-1-2. Mac Engel stopped 36 of 37 shots to pick up the win. Cale Walker replied for the Rustlers and starter Devon Carroll was replaced by Adam Gingras after the General's 7th goal.
On Sunday, the Generals jumped into a 3-0 first period lead. After upping the score to 4-0 in the 2nd period, the Rustlers got back into the game with a couple of goals, but that was as close as they'd get Thomas Beretta 3-1-4 led the way, and Bryce Wilson, Taylor Mulder, Cam Maclise 1-1-2, Colin Zimmer 1-1-2 scored for Lacombe. Mac Engel picked up the win. Replying for the Rustlers were Chris Rauckman and Tim Vanstone 1-1-2, and Devon Carroll took the loss.
If Red Deer wins on Wednesday, game #6 of that series will go in Lacombe on Saturday, with a game #7 if necessary back in Penhold on Sunday.
If Bonnyville wins on Friday, the teams will head back to Bonnyville for game #6 on Saturday, and game #7 if necessary will be held in Devon on Sunday.
