The Whitecourt Wolverines opened up their first-round playoff series against the Bonnyville Pontiacs Thursday, March 8th at the RJ Lalonde Arena. Entering into this series, Wolverines were seeded in 7th place in the North Division with 21 wins on the season and the Pontiacs who finished with 41 wins, seeded in 2nd place in the North Division. During the six match-ups during the season between the two, Bonnyville won all games.
The goaltender match-up saw 20-year old Colby Muise in net for the Pontiacs with 19-year old Tye Morin in for the Wolverines. Morin has faced this Pontiacs team on five out of six games this season. Wolverines had a strong first period to start to the game, Augot scoring at just 1:33 into the first period on an assist from Caron Laporte. There was no further scoring in the period, and the Wolverines outshot the Pontiacs 16-8 after 20 minutes.
Bonnyville Pontiacs exploded out in the 2nd period with five unanswered goals all at even strength from Joel Ray, Daine Dubois, Cayden Kraus, Grayson Constable and Isaac Saniga.
To start the 3rd-period affiliate player, Ryley Osland took to the net for the Wolverines in his first playoff game in the Alberta Junior Hockey League. Osland from St Albert, Alberta has previously played in two regular season games for the Wolverines. Osland made 14 saves in the period. The was no additional goals from either team in the 3rd, and Bonnyville Pontiacs win game one of the five-game series 5-1. Shots in the game were 46-35 for the Pontiacs.
Game 2 goes Friday night at the RJ Lalonde Arena before the series will shift to Whitecourt for Game 3 on Sunday. Tickets can be purchased online at the Wolverines website. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
Round One:
GAME 1: March, 7 | 7:30 PM @ Bonnyville, wins
GAME 2: March, 8 | 7:30 PM @ Bonnyville
GAME 3: March,10 | 7:30 PM @ Whitecourt
GAME 4: March, 11| 7:30 PM * @Whitecourt
GAME 5: March, 13| 7:30 PM * @ Bonnyville
*if necessary
Follow the link to purchase your playoff tickets today! http://www.whitecourtwolverines.ca/tickets/tickets/play-off-tickets.html
