By Terry Martin
The Spruce Grove Saints visited the Blackfalds Bulldogs for the first time in franchise history this regular season in tonight’s tilt. The Saints pulled out a victory against the Bulldogs the last time they played at the Grant Fuhr Arena, winning 6-5 after holding off a late comeback by Blackfalds. This also marks the last game in a three-game road trip for the Saints as they hope to make it two in row after beating the Pontiacs on Wednesday. The Bulldogs are 6-9-1 at home this season and they currently 6th place in the south division with 15 wins.
The Saints would strike fist as Liam Watkins would fire the puck five-hole and score the first Saints goal in franchise history in Blackfalds. The Saints and Bulldogs would each trade chances back and forth but would not score any more goals in the frame. After 20 minutes the Saints would lead 1-0 on the score board and 9-7 on the shot clock.
The second period started with Keifer Miller scoring his first AJHL goal just 5 minutes into the frame to put the Saints up 2-0. Logan Acheson would then score his 10th goal of the season on a rebound to put Spruce Grove up by 3. Nikola Jovanovic would then make it 4-0 as he tips in the puck on their power play opportunity. The Saints would end up leading 24-15 in shots after 2 periods.
The Bulldogs would then break the shutout in the third period after a Jason Siedem shorthanded goal with 16:04 left in the game. Gault would restore the 4-goal lead as he would finish off a great passing play from Pfoh. Brendan Ross would then score for Blackfalds with 7:46 left to make it a 5-2 game. Gault would then tip in another power play goal for his 2nd of the game to put the game out of reach. The Saints would win the game 6-2 and sweep the season series against the Bulldogs. The Saints win two in a row and the final shots in the game favoured the Saints 32-26.
The Saints are back at home for a matinee match against the 2nd place Fort McMurray Oil Barons starting at 2 pm down at the Grant Fuhr Arena on Sunday.