By: Terry Martin
Photo: Aaron Grimaldo
The Spruce Grove Saints looked to remain undefeated at the Grant Fuhr Arena tonight as they faced the Blackfalds Bulldogs for the first time in franchise history. The Saints also wanted to get back into the win column tonight after two straight loses. The Bulldogs sit 6th in the AJHL South with 3 wins and 8 loses coming into tonight’s action.
The first period saw the Saints down early by two goals as Connor Poffenroth and Jace Benvie both scored for the Bulldogs. Jayden Joly would add to the Bulldogs lead with an unassisted goal to end the period at 3-0 for Blackfalds. The Bulldogs also lead 9-8 in shots after 20 minutes of play.
The Saints would need a big second period to mount a comeback against this cross-division opponent. Caden Cabana would spark some life into the Saints, scoring on a rebound with 12 minutes to go in the period. Adam Heindel would put a stop to the momentum just a couple minutes later and the Bulldogs would lead 4-1. Logan Acheson would get that goal back, scoring on the power play after the team hit 4 posts prior. The Saints would trail 4-2 after the second period but would lead 22-14 in shots.
In the third period, Caiden Gault would score just a few seconds into the period to bring the Saints within 1 goal. Tye Carriere would give the Bulldogs their 2-goal lead back as they scored just 2 minutes later. Nikola Jovanovic would then follow his own rebound and bury the puck to cut the Bulldog lead to one. Cody Pisarczyk would be able to complete the comeback and score with 1 minute left in the game, making it 5-5. Jacob Rochford would be the one to win the game for the Saints, scoring with just 13 seconds left off a Jayden Davis shot. The Saints would stay on top on the shot clock 32-26 after 60 minutes of play.
The Saints would return to the win column and continue their win streak at the Grant Fuhr Arena. Spruce Grove is back in action in Drayton Valley against the Thunder on Tuesday