By Terry Martin
The Spruce Grove Saints came into tonight’s game looking to avenge their first loss of the season to the Lloydminster Bobcats. This will already be the third game these teams have played against each other this season.
LUIGI BENINCASA JUST DID THE MICHIGAN!!#AJHL pic.twitter.com/vUVoGe8n6O
– Spruce Grove Saints (@sgsaints) September 26, 2021
In the first period Luigi Benincasa scored an unbelievable goal, pulling off the Michigan move in real time to put the Saints up 1-0. The Saints would get 2 chances to boost their penalty kill numbers, killing off both. The score would remain the same and the Saints would lead in shots 9-7 after 20 minutes of play.
The middle frame saw the Saints continue the pressure on the Bobcats but neither goalie would budge. Zac Onyskiw would make a great right pad save on one of the penalty kills, sliding across and spreading out. Axel Rosenlund would do much of the same, making a very similar save a few minutes later. Ethan Aucoin would break the tension late, scoring with 2 minutes left in the period to tie the game. Shots would still favour the Saints, leading 20-11 after 40 minutes of play.
In the final period of the game Jayden Davis would snipe one low glove to put the Saints up 2-1. Ethan Kronewitt would then find himself in the slot and go upstairs for his first AJHL goal. Brett Pfoh would then bank his goal off a Bobcat defender to put the Saints up 4-1. Jacob Rochford then went down alone and backhand shelved the puck for his second goal of the season to make it 5-1 Saints. Cade Mason would then score his first goal as a Saint on the power play with just 10 minutes left in the game. The Saints wouldn’t quit, Gault would score his 7th goal of the year on a breakaway and Spruce Grove would end up winning the game 7-1. The Saints had another huge period against the Bobcats, scoring 6 in the 3rd to win 7-1. The Saints would also dominate the shot clock for a game total of 38-19.
The Saints will be at the AJHL showcase next week with games against the Okotoks Oilers and Brooks Bandits on Thursday and Friday nights.