Wings Edge Klippers in OT!

The Weyburn Red Wings continued the winning momentum into the playoffs with a 4-3 overtime victory over the visiting Kindersley Klippers on Friday night at the Colosseum.

Rhett Bly (pictured) had another big night for the Wings as he picked up two goals before adding an assist on Adam Feniak's overtime winner. Eric Calibaba also scored for the Red Wings. Torrey Lindsay added two assists with single helpers going to Andrew Perrault (his first SJHL point), Craig Cornelson, Scott Doody and Stephen Simms. Brett Leedahl, Jonathan Redlick, and Milo Miller scored for the Klippers who got assists from Jordan Braid, Matt Sawa, Steven Turner, Casey Rempel and Kirk Pearce.

The Red Wings Justin Crockatt (pictured left) and Klippers Kalib Thunderchief had a spirited first period heavyweight battle which started as a result of some jawing back and forth during the pre-game warmup. The two did not disappoint as the Weyburn crowd was treated to a good tilt. Crockatt landed some unbelievable uppercuts and no doubt Thunderchief slept with ice packs as pillows last night.

AJ Whiffen had another strong start for the Wings as he made 32 saves, many of the spectacular variety. Matt Weninger made 21 saves in the Kindersley goal.

Elsewhere on Friday night ......

In Melville, the Notre Dame Hounds were looking to extend their playoff hopes while the Millionaires were looking to gain some ground over third place Kindersley. It was Melville who would show up to play on this night as they pasted the Hounds 8-1. Dieter Gillanders actually got the Hounds on the scoreboard at 5:24 of the first period to take a 1-0 lead but it was all downhill from there as the Mils would score only nine seconds after that before going on a rampage for the big win. Aaron Decorby had a big night for the Mils as he scored twice and added an assist. Matt Kinnunen, Jordan Reeve, Kale Dolinski, Bryant Dyke and Daniel Hope each had a goal and an assist for the Mils. Chris Shudo also had a goal for Melville. Levi Lind and Jordan Wilson each chipped in with a pair of assists. Travis Bosch picked up the win in goal as he made 20 saves. Mark Currie played the first two periods in goal for the Hounds and he was peppered with 37 shots stopping 31 of them. Andre Guay played the third period and allowed 2 goals on 7 shots. The Millionaires will clinch second place with either a Kindersley loss in Estevan on Saturday night or at least one point in their final game versus the Bruins on Monday.

The most important game of the night in the SJHL occurred in La Ronge where the Ice Wolves were hosting the Flin Flon Bombers in a huge game. The teams were separated by one point going into the game in the battle for third in the Itech. Of course whoever finishes third clinches a spot in the selection series and avoids the first round elimination series versus the Nipawin Hawks. The Bombers would show up to play on this night as they put on a solid road effort outshooting the Ice Wolves 51-35 enroute to a 5-3 win.
Dennis Kubat led the way for the Bombers as he scored twice, his second of which was the game winner, and added an assist. Harley Garrioch also scored twice for the Bombers for his first ever multi-goal game. Dustyn Clegg added a goal and an assist for Flin Flon. Reid MacLeod, who is second in league scoring, added two assists.
Calvin Fiddler had a goal and an assist for La Ronge. Jordie Johnston and Bruno-Pier Gosselin also scored for the Ice Wolves. Tyler Karst added two assists. Calvin Bartel, looking to solidify the number one goaltending job going into the playoffs, made 32 saves for the win. Jonathan Jobin stopped 47 Flin Flon shots but that would not be enough on this night. The two teams meet again Saturday night in Flin Flon and a win by the Bombers would clinch them third place. If the Ice Wolves can pull off the win, it will make the game on Tuesday night very important. (Nipawin @ Flin Flon, La Ronge @ Kindersley)

In Humboldt, the Broncos, who are preparing for the playoffs, met the Battlefords North Stars, who are preparing for next year. Justin Stoski led the way for Humboldt with a pair of goals. Jordan Schindel and Kendrew Friesen, a rookie AP, also scored for Humboldt. In fact the goal for young Friesen would be the game winner. Steven Schroeder and Voldy Dashko each had two assists for the Broncos who also got assists from Josh Garneau, Shawn Hunter and Taylor Pillar.
Joel Budd, Rick Cey and John Midtdal scored for the Stars. Jesse Lebreton added two assists. Single assists went to Adrien Lemay, Brian Sydiaha and Alexandre Leclerc. Andrew Bodnarchuk picked up the win in goal as he made 26 saves on the evening. Lemay stopped 40 shots in the North Stars goal.

The other game tonight that also had no impact on the final standings was played in Melfort as the Mustangs skated to a 2-1 lead over their rival Nipawin Hawks. Ryan Gareau and Taylor Watt scored for the Mustangs who got an assist from Gary Childerhose. Steve Mason had the lone goal for the Hawks with assists going to Dean Prpick and Brent Ottmann. Ilia Ejov was not busy on the night as he only faced 15 shots, stopping 14 of them. Daniel DiCamillo got the start for the Hawks and made 25 saves.

The SJHL Saturday night schedule sees two games of importance as Kindersley will be in Estevan to face the Bruins where the Klippers will be looking to gain some ground on the third place Melville Millionaires. Meanwhile the other huge game is in Flin Flon where the Bombers will be hosting the La Ronge Ice Wolves. A win by the Bombers would clinch them third in the Itech. Tonight's other games are less significant but allows teams to prepare for the playoff runs. Of course the Red Wings are in Notre Dame to battle the Hounds. The Wings will more than likely rest some guys tonight. Tanner Erickson is slated to get the start in goal. You can catch all the action on AM1190 tonight with the pre-game show at 7:20 with Kevin Smith and yours truly. The other game on the schedule tonight as the Nipawin Hawks hosting the Melfort Mustangs in the second game of a home and home.

We will let you know once the playoff schedule is available. In all likelihood the Red Wings will open up the selection series at home either on Friday the 22nd or Saturday the 23rd. They of course know it will be against either the Melville Millionaires or the Kindersley Klippers.

- Brad M.