BONNYVILLE - In a match that kept fans on the edge of their seats at the RJ Lalonde Arena, the Bonnyville Pontiacs were defeated in a 5-4 loss to the third place Blackfalds Bulldogs in an AJHL showdown on Friday evening.
The match featured breakaways, outstanding saves, and a series of momentum shifts that kept fans guessing until the final buzzer. Although the Pontiacs put up a good fight – even tying it up 4-4, their mistakes early-on proved costly.
Bulldog’s forward Brendan Ross, left all alone in the slot, scored the opening goal, putting the Bulldogs in front 1-0. The Pontiacs were dominated by the Bulldogs throughout the first period, being out shot 12-2 at one point, digging themselves into a hole with costly turnovers. Halfway through the first period, the Pontiacs found themselves down 3-0, but showed signs of life with Tyler Blocha’s powerplay goal making it 3-1.
As the game progressed, the Pontiacs fought back with determination. Pontiac’s captain Nicholas Beaudoin, returning from a three-game injury absence, scored, bringing the Pontiacs within two, but the Bulldogs extended their lead again with a goal from Ryan Shaw. The Pontiacs refused to back down, scoring three unanswered goals, and tying the game 4-4 early in the third period, with a goal from Myle’s Gauld.
With the game tied, the Bulldogs secured the lead with a goal that proved to be the game-winner. The Bulldogs have won all four games they have played against the Pontiacs this season.
Pontiacs beat Bobcats
The Bonnyville Pontiacs quickly rebounded from Friday’s loss by defeating the Lloydminster Bobcats 5-3 on Saturday, also on home ice. After being down 2-1 entering the third period, the Pontiacs scored four straight goals by four different players - Beaudoin, Clarence Beltz, Levi Green, and Max Seguin.
Next up, the Pontiacs play the Sherwood Park Crusaders on Wednesday in Sherwood park at 7 p.m. The Crusaders are currently the second best team in the AJHL with 53 points.
