The Ice Wolves face off against the Terriers next in Yorkton on Friday. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)
Junior Hockey

Nearly 950 fans attend first at-home Ice Wolves playoff game

Mar 12, 2020 | 4:46 PM

The La Ronge Ice Wolves and Yorkton Terriers are tied 2-2 in the first series of Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League 2020 playoffs.

The Ice Wolves most recently played back-to-back games against the Terriers at La Ronge’s Mel Hegland Uniplex on March 6 and 7. The first game on Tuesday went to the Terriers by a close 6-5 score, but the Ice Wolves evened the series Wednesday with a 5-1 victory. Stewart Pond made the first goal of the game during a powerplay with assists by Nolan Spadafore and James Philpott.

Additional goals during yesterday’s game were scored by Philpott and Spencer Kennedy in the second period, followed by Booker Chacalias and Ben Mason in the third.

“I think we have played some very good hockey, especially last night, I thought that was our best 60 minutes,” Head Coach Kevin Kaminski said. “We really tightened up defensively and we only gave them five quality scoring chances.”

With the next match between the two teams occurring March 13 in Yorkton, Kaminski noted the Ice Wolves need to continue playing like they did Wednesday to be successful. He said close losses are due to too many penalties with the Terriers taking the advantage during powerplays.

“If we play five-on-five hockey, I think we have a little bit more depth than they do,” Kaminski said. “We have to focus on shutting down Chantz Petruic’s line. They do all the scoring.”

Kaminski also mentioned it’s been fantastic to see so many fans attending the recent home games. There were 948 people at Tuesday’s game and 820 on Wednesday.

“These boys have been in the community all year long and they sacrifice their body on the ice to put out a good product,” Kaminski said. “They love the brand of hockey we displayed this year, so it’s nice to see the support in the stands at the Mel. Now Sunday, lets get a sellout here. Let’s pack this barn to the rafters and get the boys going.”

The Ice Wolves next play in town March 15 at 7 p.m. for the sixth game of the series. The last game is scheduled for March 17 in Yorkton.

derek.cornet@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @saskjourno

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