Lack of Offensive Punch Hurts Wings!

The Weyburn Red Wings played only there second game of the season on home ice and 1037 fans left disappointed as the Wings fell 2-1 to the Nipawin Hawks. A couple of soft goals were the difference in this game. This was unfortunate indeed as the Wings Kyle McConnell made 30 saves, some of the spectacular variety. The Wings could only muster 22 shots towards Danny Gagne, including only six on the third period. Luke Johnson put the Wings up 1-0 at 5:55 of the second period as Luke Johnson picked up his fourth goal of the season on a nice pass from Josh Bray. Craig Cornelsen also assisted on the goal. Kent Sauter tied the game up early in the third as he bounced a puck off a skate to pick up the goal. Mike Brodziak and Mike Rey assisted on the goal. Then with only one minute remaining in regulation, Brent Ottmann flipped a puck past McConnell to give the Hawks the victory. Torrie Dyck assisted on the winner. The Hawks improved to 4-2 with the victory while the Wings drop to 5-2 and return to action Friday night when they face the red hot Melville Millionaires. Game time is 7:30.

I would like to add that I was very impressed by tonight's officiating by Cam Kuffner tonight. He called what had to be called but for the most part let the team's decide. If only this was the case on a regular basis in the SJHL.

Elsewhere on Tuesday night, the Kindersley Klippers improved to 4-1 with a 3-2 overtime victory over the Yorkton Terriers in Yorkton. Ben Ritchie scored the winner 1:15 into the extra frame for the Klippers. Brett Leedahl and Kirk Pearce also scored for Kindersley. Corey Silverson and Evan Neibrandt replied for the Terriers who pick up one point in the standings despite the loss. Ryan Nieszner left the game after the Terriers tied it at two at the 8:16 mark of the third period. No word at the time of writing on whether an injury was involved or he was just pulled. He stopped 17 of the 19 shots he faced in 48:16 of play. Matt Weninger went the distance for the Klippers turning aside the eight shots he faced. Lynden Sammartino made 28 saves in the losing cause for the Terriers.

The Humboldt Broncos improved to their winning ways as they disposed of the Battlefords North Stars 6-1. Laurent Benjamin continued his hot play as he had a goal and two assists for the Broncos. Jordan Schindel had a goal and an assist. Steven Schroeder, Evan Bryksa, Josh Garneau and Spencer Hoehn also scored for the Broncos who also got two assists from Brayden Klimosko. Ryan Scheafer scored the lone goal for the Stars. Taylor Nelson was not very busy on the night only facing 18 shots. Ryan Kerpan was chased from the game after two periods as he gave up all six goals on 25 shots. Adrien Lemay faced 16 shots in the third period stopping all of them.

SJHL Three Stars of the Night:

1. Laurent Benjamin - Humboldt Broncos (1 goal, 2 assists)
2. Ben Ritchie - Kindersley Klippers (overtime winner)
3. Brent Ottmann - Nipawin Hawks (game winning goal, constant offensive threat)

- Brad M.