Thunder Talk: Febuary 11th

Every week Kenny Trenton from CJVR/CK750 will be touching base and sharing his insights on the NorthEast hockey scene.

Hey Hockey Fans:

First off, let me apologize for being late on my weekly post. It’s been a really busy week as we’re gearing up for the final drive for the playoffs.

I called what I feel was the best game I ever had the pleasure of calling. It was the Tisdale Trojan’s 2-1 win over the Saskatoon Contacts at the Schroh Arena. It was a real physical back and forth game, and the first time the Contacts lost at home in regulation this season. Kyle Hall had a goal and an assist, while Rylan McKinnon had a huge slapshot from the point for his second of the year. I thought McKinnon played an amazing game after captain Joey Leach was ejected early in the third. Tisdale had to overcome 17 Saskatoon power plays, and a few 5-3 opportunities (some of them 2 minutes or more). They beat the Battlefords 5-3 Saturday, but lost 2-1 Sunday. I saw Sunday’s game, and didn’t think Tisdale’s work ethic was there, while Coach Kingwell’s old team simply wanted it more. The Trojans are in Prince Albert tomorrow, and then go to Notre Dame to take on the Argos Sunday, and the first place Hounds Monday.

This weekend, I saw Melfort and Nipawin play their home and home Friday and Saturday. Melfort looked really good Friday in Nipawin in a 4-1 win, while Nipawin was outstanding Saturday in Melfort earning a 3-2 win. Nipawin has the tiebreaker should the teams finished tied in the standings for that third spot. The Hawks made things interesting playing a great game in Flin Flon Sunday winning 3-2 in overtime. Last night, things got really interesting as Melfort won 2-1 in Humboldt, while the Hawks lost their last road game of the season 4-3 in the Battlefords. Simply put, the Hawks were outworked by a hungry Northstars team that wanted it more. Coach Colin O’Hara said his team needs to be more desperate this time of the year. The Mustangs need three points to clinch third place (and a rematch against Flin Flon). They take on La Ronge tonight, Melville Friday for their last home game of the season, and head to Flin Flon Tuesday to finish the regular season. The Hawks are home to Humboldt Friday, and the Battlefords Tuesday. The Mustangs and Hawks could face the Bombers and Northstars respectively in the playoffs so both teams will be fired up for their games on Tuesday.

Good to see the Thunder respond with a win over the Royals last week. I think it’s really important for any hockey team to have close games heading into the post-season because lopsided wins against much weaker teams doesn’t get you into playoff mode. Hard hitting, physical games that are back and forth do get you ready. In my opinion, with teams in all leagues pushing for position, the playoffs have already began. See you at the rink.

Kenny