U18 AA Lake Country Timberwolves 2024-25 season ended Sunday in a Game 3 loss to the Saskatoon Screaming Eagles. (Facebook/U18 AA Timberwolves)

By paNOW Staff

U18 AA hockey

Timberwolves season ends in heartbreaking double OT loss

Mar 10, 2025 | 7:00 PM

Although the winning goal didn’t go their way, Game 3 of a playoff series with the Saskatoon Screaming Eagles offered graduating members of the U18 AA Lake Country Timberwolves a memorable way to end their Prince Albert Minor Hockey careers.

Almost three periods passed at a packed Kinsmen Arena Sunday night before any points were put up. With just 3:46 left on the clock, the Eagles managed to find the back of the net behind goaltender Wyatt Nelson who faced 25 shots during regulation play.

A penalty on the Eagles was called shortly after so head coach Derek Simonson made the decision to pull Nelson from the net and add an attacker for a 6-4 man advantage on the powerplay. Cruz Stacey buried one off a perfect pass from Jack Simonson to tie the game with just :47 seconds left on the clock.

The first overtime period passed without a point, but at 14:56 of the second OT Eagle’s defenceman Brock Clark snuck one past Nelson to end the sudden death play.

“We were all pretty emotional. These kids are all competitors and you know, that one, it really hurt last night,” said Simonson. “There was some feeling of comfort despite losing because everybody stepped up and played hard and can walk away holding their head high. They should be proud of themselves.”

Community safety

Landlords Association responds to P.A. shooting, suggests changes needed to Tenancies Act

6h ago

STAFFING

City urges public patience as CSO shortage slows bylaw response

6h ago

Boys and Girls Club

Charity Race for Kids raises $10,000 for BGC Battlefords

7h ago

The team finished the regular season with a record of 20-8-4-0. Captain Gareg Painter led the team with 44 total points in 32 games played as a veteran defenceman. Trey Mudry led the team in goals with 24 and 10 assists in 26 games played. Wyatt Nelson finished the regular season with a 1.97 goals-against average. Alex Gray finished with a 3.17 GAA.

Painter is one of eight graduating minor hockey players from the team this season. Alex Suetta, Chase Neuman, Caden Stumpf, Nate Jensen, Alex Gray, Ryan Pidborochynski and Simonson’s own son, Jack all played their last minor hockey game Sunday.

Graduating players and their families were recognized at the Timberwolves’ last home game of the regular season. (Facebook/U18 AA Timberwolves)

“They’ll all end up various places and do something. It may include hockey, it may include school or work. They’ve been great ambassadors to the game and leaders in our community,” said Simonson. “They’re going to be coaches one day. They’re going to be fathers. They’re going to be successful people at whatever they choose and that’s comforting as a coach. I’m just thankful for the time we were able to be together and play hockey.”

As for next season, Simonson said he hasn’t decided whether he’ll be back as bench boss but the future of the Lake Country Timberwolves looks bright with the potential of 11 returning players.

—

panews@pattisonmedia.com