By Terry Martin
The Saints continued their road trip tonight looking to get back into the win column against the Drumheller Dragons. The Saints sit 3 points behind Fort McMurray and 2 points ahead of Bonnyville in the AJHL North Division as the playoff race heats up halfway through the season. The Dragons are also second place in the AJHL South Division with 43 points, just behind the Bandits.
Both teams would show off their skill early in the game as they faced off against each other for the first time this regular season. Tristan Martin would shine in the first period, making huge saves at the right time. The Saints and Dragons would end up tied 0-0 after 20 minutes and Spruce Grove would trail 14-6 in shots.
Brophy Dunne would open the scoring for the Saints in the second period, as he would fire home his 5th of the season on the power play. Liam Watkins would then find himself in front of the net where he would pounce on the rebound to give the Saints a 2-0 lead. Brett Pfoh would then add to the offensive explosion, firing the puck top corner from below the circle. Grayson Dietrich would then get the Dragons on the board on one of their power play opportunities with 7 minutes remaining in the period. Brophy Dunne would then drop his gloves in defence of his teammate, taking on two Dragons at a time. Carter Belitski would then cut the lead to 1 after scoring on another power play. Luigi Benincasa would restore the 2-goal lead with just 1 second left in the period during a 5 on 3 chance. The final shots after 40 minutes would favour the Saints, 27-25.
Myles Hilman would open the scoring for the Dragons in the third period with 14 minutes to go in the game. The Saints would still lead 4-3, but that would be the 3rd time the Dragons would score on their power play. The Saints would hold off Drumheller for the rest of the game, Martin would also make some great saves throughout. Liam Watkins would get his 2nd of the game on the empty net. Ewan McPherson also sniped the puck home with 30 seconds left. Spruce Grove would go on to win 6-3 and would come out on top in shots, 36-35.
The Saints will continue their road trip tomorrow night in Brooks to take on the Bandits for the last time this season. Catch all the action on the Saints Radio Network (mixlr.com/sprucegrovesaints) starting at 6:45pm.