By: Terry Martin
The Spruce Grove Saints (2-0-0) are coming off a successful opening weekend with two wins over the Sherwood Park Crusaders. The Saints are hoping to do much more of the same against the Grande Prairie Storm (1-1-0) this weekend at the Grant Fuhr Arena with back to back games this Friday and Saturday night.
The Saints battled the Crusaders in their opening weekend, winning the first game in overtime. The Crusaders tied the game late in the third period, but the Saints, University of Minnesota-Mankato commit Graham Gamache quickly capitalized on a rebound to get the win in extra time. In game two, the Saints jumped ahead in the second period and added to the lead in the third, keeping the game out of reach for the Crusaders. Lucas Ciona tallied two goals while Tyler Palmer was dynamite inbetween the pipes stopping 34/36 Crusader shots.
Grande Prairie started off their season with a weekend series against the Bonnyville Pontiacs (1-1-0). The Storm started off strong in the first game, scoring five goals with three coming on the powerplay. The Pontiacs quickly rebounded and shut out the Storm 3-0 in game two. Grande Praire sits even at one win and one loss coming into this weekend?s action.
Players to Watch
For the Spruce Grove Saints, defenceman Breck McKinley and forward Lucas Ciona both averaged two points a game last weekend as well as Tyler Palmer, who posted an impressive 0.944 save percentage in his first start of the season.
The Storm spread out their scoring amongst the team with five different players getting goals. Defenseman, Cade Mason was the only player with a goal and an assist. Goalie, Garin Bjorklund, played both of their games and stopped 78 of 82 shots.
For fans that did not secure tickets to the Saints games this weekend, both games are available on the Saints Radio Network (mixlr.com/sprucegrovesaints), HockeyTV and you can also follow along with Saints social media.
Additionally this weekends games will both be televised on the big screens at the Canadian Brewhouse in Spruce Grove, with drink & food specials as well as Saints inspired dangles being served throughout the night.