By Terry Martin
The Spruce Grove Saints took on the Bonnyville Pontiacs for the second time in as many nights, looking to pick up another win after an offensive explosion yesterday. The Saints won 8-4, scoring 6 goals in the second period to move into second place in the Viterra North Division with last night’s win.
No goals would be scored in the first period of tonight’s game, which was a change of pace for the Saints as they have already scored 50 goals in 9 games. Spruce Grove is one of two teams to even score more than 40 goals so far this year in the AJHL. Zac Onyskiw would help keep the game tied, making key saves at the right time. After a hard hitting fast paced period, the Saints and Pontiacs would remain tied at 0, while the Saints would lead 11-10 on the shot clock after 20 minutes.
Shane LaVelle would break the tie with a shorthanded goal for the Saints, scoring on a rebound from Caiden Gault with 17:22 left in the period. Zac Onyskiw would then continue to preserve the Saints lead throughout the period, making all of the saves he needed to make. The Saints would lead 1-0 after the second period, and also lead 21-16 on the shot clock.
The third period would be much of the same, both goalies keeping the puck out of the net. The Saints and Pontiacs would continue to keep up the intensity as well as the pace. Alex Power would be the one to score first in this period to tie the game with 5:55 left in the game. Cody Pisarczyk would not let the Saints be denied a win, scoring from the slot to give the team the go ahead goal with 2 minutes remaining. The Saints would go on to win their third straight game, winning 2-1 against the Pontiacs. Final shots favoured the Saints 30-27 after three periods of play.
The Spruce Grove Saints will be back in Bonnyville on Wednesday for the final game of this mini series where they hope to sweep the Pontiacs.