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09/10 Season Review
Part > Pre
Season Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar |
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SIOUX LOOKOUT
FLYERS 2009-10 EDITION - SEASON PREVIEW
BUILD FOR THE FUTURE
Have we got a Team for you!
Staff
Writer M. Morin
On September the 8th, the curtain will rise
on what promises to be an exciting second season for Sioux
Lookouts own Junior A Flyers Hockey Team. As
they take to the ice, of the Memorial Arena, for their first
pre-season home game of the year, they will face their
arch-rivals, the Fort Frances Junior Sabres. On
this years Flyers, veteran players have teamed up with several
key quality additions, to ice a competitive squad playing the
fast and physical style of hockey that our town is famous for.
The Flyers, with a strengthened defense and a high octane
offense, are guaranteed to please Sioux Lookout fans this
year.
Setting the bar high, Coach
and GM Randy Lulashnyk stated, “We need a group of
hard-nosed players who can go through a wall. We need twenty
heroes out there, every game.” Indeed,
building from the
Goalie outwards, he and his staff
have been very busy this summer trying to accomplish
those objectives particularly in the area of the transition
game.
In goal, returning this year is former Sabre,
David Novak #29, who
was solid in camp, and plays very well against his former
Team.
Zach
Lake
#1, stand-out
goalie for the Dryden High School Eagles, who showed
versatility in the
inter-squad game will have an opportunity to show his stuff
during the pre-season. They are joined by Jordan, “ the
Glove” Giguère #1, from
St. Hilaire QC, who played for Les Eclaireurs in the Richelieu
League Midget AA level. He makes no mistakes with the puck and
displays good technical form in the net. He
earned the moniker by flashing the glove in several lightening
fast saves in camp and the inter-squad game.
On defense, former Diesel crowd pleaser, Clayton Lewis
#7, who hails from
Reno, Nevada is
skilled, smooth skating and deadly. He was among the leaders
in short handed points by an SIJHL defenseman during the
regular season and play-offs last year. Geo Pascal #8, is a
gritty no-nonsense blue-liner from
Inuvik
, NWT and was co-captain on his midget Team last year. They
went undefeated during the 32nd Annual Aboriginal
Hockey Tournament in
Whitehorse
. Geo recorded six points in the event. Also new on defense
this year, is Troy Dumais #52, whose hometown is Bonnyville
Alberta
. He played for
the North-East Panthers Midget AAA Hockey Team last year.
They won the Championship of the Rural Alberta Midget
Hockey League.
Troy
is a versatile player who can play it tough in the corners as
well as contribute offensively. Clayton, Geo and
Troy
join A.J. Wensley #72, who you will recall was tied for fifth
in overall points among defenseman in the SIJHL last year.
Returning
Rainy
River
product, steady eddie, Kalan
Ewald, and Ignace’s speedy Ryan Watkins round out the cadre
of a rebuilt Flyers defense. One thing Sioux Lookout Hockey
Fans can keep an eye on this year is this skilled and mobile
defense. They show a lot of promise to excel in the transition
game.
On offense, the Flyer’s attack will be bolstered by
these players this year. Skilled and smooth-skating Captain
Brad Bienvenu #9 is back along with Will Kinsman #18, who
possesses a wicked back hand shot. Galen Matyjanka #19, is
chomping at the bit to extend his point streak from last year.
Offensive threat, Brad Mailman #92 likes the Sioux so much he
stayed the summer. Local
stalwarts, Ian Alcock #11, who won Most Improved last year and
Shayne Kakegamic #12, who won regular season MVP can be
counted on when the going gets tough. They are joined by Sioux
Lookout’s, focused Nelson Rosiak #39, who returns to us by
way of the Kenora Thistles.
Atikokanite Logan McDonnell #42, a former Sabre, who
brings his edge and enthusiasm for the game will definitely
create room in the offensive zone. Adam
Wensley # 61, who is rapidly becoming the on ice bad boy of
the Flyers, with four fights in training camp as well as one
in the inter-squad game, guarantees to be a force to be
reckoned with. From the North we welcome Clinton Morris, #26
an offensive forward from
Big
Trout
Lake
. His previous
Team was the Toronto Canada Moose.
Colten Brulé #17, is a hard working forward who
follows up his work in the corners by driving hard to the net.
He scored the first goal in the inter-squad game. He comes to
us from
Red Deer
,
Alberta
where he played for the
Leduc Oil Kings, of the Alberta Midget Hockey League.
Playing for the North Winnipeg Satellites, was Justin
Pache #21, who sports a good old-time brand of physical hockey
with 169 penalty minutes last year.
In the same league was forward Darnell Ferland #16,
from
Brandon
,
Manitoba
, who skated for the Norway House North Stars Junior B Hockey
Team. There he earned 23 points in 33 regular season games
including a four point game, and two, three point games.
So when he’s hot, …he’s hot.
Looking for one of our new big guns on offence?
He could just be Alex Riveness #20, from
Hastings
,
Minnesota
. A high octane forward, he
earned 47 points, including
six game winning goals for the Tulsa Rampage at the Tier III
Junior A level last year.
There you have it! A group of
Hockey Players who bring a lot of skill and
determination to the game.
We will be proudly watching their progress as a Team
throughout the year. Let’s
give a warm Sioux Lookout welcome to our own Junior A Flyers
Hockey Team. LET’S ROCK THE BARN! Tuesday
Night! 7:30.
GO
FLYERS GO!
|
Part
> Pre
Season Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
September
SEPTEMBER 2009 A FRESH START FOR
THE FLYERS
M & M. Morin, Staff Writers
September 2009 was a special time for the Sioux Lookout
Flyer's Junior 'A' hockey team as they hit the ice, eager to
shed their expansion moniker and create a strong new
identity. The coaching staff headed by Randy Lulashnyk
had been busy all summer putting the pieces of the puzzle
together. Amongst the fans, hockey players, and community
there were great expectations.
With a strong showing in the pre-season winning 3 of 4 games,
the Sioux Lookout Flyers were ready and determined to prove
that they were a team to contend with. The Flyer's 5-4
exhibition victory over the Dryden Ice Dogs punctuated that
fact!
As they hit the ice for their first regular season game on
September 18th in Sioux Lookout a big test awaited them: the
defending SIJHL champion Fort William North Stars. The Orange
and Black came roaring off the start line like a souped up
Corvette in the first period taking a 2-0 lead with power play
goals by Darnell Ferland and Alex Riveness. However, after
Flyers sniper Galen Matyjanka scored to give Sioux Lookout a
3-1 lead in the second period, the North Stars came storming
back. They prevailed 4-3 in a hard fought contest with Kevin
Hamel getting the winning goal for the North Stars late in the
third on a bouncing shot.
After a 6-1 penalty filled setback to Fort William the next
night, the Flyers tangled with the Dryden Ice Dogs in Sioux
Lookout on the 22nd . The 9-1 result was not what they
had in mind. With the Flyers missing some key personnel, the
Ice Dogs played a fast skating and passing game to earn the
win.
At a crucial turning point in the young season for the Flyers,
the Sioux Lookout Team made the trip to Thunder Bay to play a
two game set with the K and A Wolverines. Two wins would
generate momentum and two losses would put them behind the
eight ball. The Flyers had no intention of doing that.
They ignited in the first period scoring the game's first 3
goals. Troy Dumais, Galen Matyjanka and the speedy Nathan
Brown all turned on the red light for the visiting team.
Answering late in the first for the Wolverines was sniper Troy
Paquette. By the end of the second period the Flyers held a
6-3 lead and the 2 teams traded goals in the third to make the
final score 7-4 for the Flyers.
Sioux Lookout's potent defense had an excellent showing
combining for 7 points including a 4 point game by star
defenseman A.J. Wensley. As well, Galen Matyjanka
continued to have the hot hand offensively with 2 goals.
Flyer forward Cody Ballard's 3 point game highlighted his
exciting debut in the SIJHL.
In the first period of the next game the Wolverines moved the
puck well, as SIJHL veteran Ryan Sambray scored. The
Flyers responded by going on a tear tallying the next 3 goals
of the first period. Hard working Captain Logan McDonell,
sparked the outburst getting the Flyers first goal of the
evening. Brad Bienvenu and Galen Matyjanka followed up with a
goal apiece. Skilled defenseman Clayton Lewis had 2
assists. In the second period, Flyers blueliners Darnell
Ferland and AJ Wensley scored to give the orange and black a
5-1 lead. Promising acquisition Rory Mckee, found the back of
the net for the Wolverines. Adam Wensley and Cody Ballard
rounded out the scoring to give the Flyers a 7-2 victory and a
sweep of the 2 game series.
It has been a good first month for the 2009-2010 Sioux Lookout
Flyers, who responded to adversity with a strong finish. Some
performances really stood out for the Flyers. For example, the
play of the entire blueline featuring the dynamic trio of A.J.
Wensley, Clayton Lewis and Darnell Ferland was great.
A.J. was 1st in scoring by a defenseman. Lewis and
Ferland were tied for second and third in points by a
blueliner respectively. As well, the Flyers disciplined play
cued their powerplay which was red hot with ten goals leading
the SIJHL in that department. Star forward Galen
Matyjanka was tied for second in goals scored in the league
with five.
The Flyer's performance in September would pave the way for
bigger and better things to come.
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Part
> Pre
Season Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
October
FLYER'S CONFIDENCE
GROWS
OCTOBER 2009
M.& M Morin, Staff Writers
In October the Flyers found two of the sweetest ways to
win.... Rallying from a big deficit and winning in overtime.
This month featured the start of an intense rivalry between
Sioux Lookout and the K and A Wolverines and the continuation
of an impressive five game winning streak for the Orange and
Black.
The Sioux Lookout Flyers were looking to extend their 2 game
late September winning streak when they hosted the Wolverines
on October 2nd and 3rd. During the first contest Sioux Lookout
was firing on all cylinders skating away with a 6-1 victory.
Flyers goaltender David Novak put in an excellent performance
between the pipes stopping thirty four shots including a
highlight reel glove save and a big stop on Wolverines sniper
Drew Childs in the last minute of the game. The Flyers blue
line contributed to the victory with A.J. Wensley having a
three point game and Troy Dumais tallying 2 points.
The game the next evening was an exciting back and forth
affair with multiple shifts in momentum. The Flyers took a 2-1
lead into the first intermission on goals by Chase Dobranski
and Colten Brulé. The Wolverines clawed their way back into
the game getting the only goal of the second period off the
stick of Tim Harris. Then only 2:29 into the third period the
Wolverines took the lead 3-2 on a goal by Nico Anderson but
more exciting twists and turns lay ahead. The Flyers then
stormed back with goals by snipers Colten Brulé and Galen
Matyjanka to take the lead 3-2 but the final chapter had yet
to be written. With only seconds left in the third Troy
Paquette found the back of the net to tie the game at three
and force overtime. Flyers goaltender David Novak was clutch
in the extra session stopping 3 shots and speedy Nathan Brown
turned on the red light to send the Sioux Lookout fans home
happy. It would not be the last time that a Flyers-Wolverines
matchup would be worth more than the price of admission.
Barn Burner anyone? Next up for the Flyers was a home and home
series against the Fort Frances Lakers on October 9th in Fort
Frances and then on October 11th in Sioux Lookout. What
transpired in Fort Frances was a thrilling contest with lots
of offense and lead changes galore. In the first stanza the
Lakers raced out to a 3-0 lead. This game had the earmarks of
a runaway win for the home town team. However things are often
not what they seem as the never say die Flyers responded with
three goals of their own, one by Adam Wensley and two by Alex
Riveness to tie the match at three heading into the first
intermission. The Flyers went on to win 7-5 with three
players, Brad Bienvenu, Logan McDonell, and Alex Riveness
having three point nights the latter with a hat trick.
Where do you go on Sunday evening in Sioux Lookout? You go to
the Memorial Arena of course. Fans witnessed the battle of the
goal tenders as the spotlight shone on to two excellent net
minders Jordan Giguère for the Flyers and Jameson Shortreed
for the Lakers. In the close checking hard fought contest the
only puck to find the back of the net was scored at 4:25 of
the first period by Lakers forward Jordan Carne assisted by
Colten Kennedy and Tyler Stevenson.
An edge of your seat thriller followed featuring the
Flyers and the K and A Wolverines. With the score tied 2-2 in
the third period Flyers forward Nathan Brown put the Flyers
ahead three to two but again the Wolverines staged a late
rally to tie the game with Nico Anderson turning on the red
light unassisted. Overtime! Just fifty seconds into the
extra frame, A.J. Wensley scored the winner. He was assisted
by former Wolverines defenseman Mike Delvecchio. It was an
exciting Flyers debut for the Thunder Bay defenseman.
Hope sprang eternal on Sunday October 18th as the
powerful first place Fort William North Stars travelled to
Sioux Lookout to take on the Flyers. Down 3-1 in the second
period hard working Flyer's forward Ian Alcock would find the
back of the net to send the Flyers into the second
intermission down by only one goal. Fort William would take
over the game in the third scoring the next two goals with
tallies by Riley Marsh and Jordan Davis. Flyer's forward Cody
Ballard would find the back of the net to end the match by a
score of 5-3 for the North Stars.
The Flyers got off to a fast start in the next home game
versus the Dryden Ice Dogs scoring the first two goals.
However persistence won the day for the Ice Dogs offence as
they skated away with a 6-2 win.
The Flyers and Wolverines tangled for the third time in the
month in Schreiber on October 29th and these two teams put on
an even better show than the last two meetings. Overtime did
nothing to solve a 3-3 deadlock. The contest headed to a
shootout where star net minders Jordan Giguère for the Flyers
and Jean Roch Thibert for the Wolverines proved
difficult for opposing shooters to solve. Exciting forward
Chase Dobranski was the hero for the Flyers scoring the only
goal of the shootout to ensure victory for his squad.
The month of October concluded for the Flyers with 7-1 setback
to the Fort William North Stars on the 30th in Thunder Bay.
October had been exciting for the Flyers and their fans as it
contained the last three games of a five game winning streak
begun in September. The rally from a three goal deficit
against the Lakers, the overtime win against the Wolverines
gave the Flyers confidence heading into November where the
best was yet to come.
|
Part
> Pre
Season Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
November
THE WINDS OF NOVEMBER
M. & M. Morin, Staff
Writers.
The Flyer's record in November
featured some great games including some exciting hockey
versus the top two teams. With a Flyer's player's father in
Afghanistan, the team's observance of Remembrance Day held a
special significance. As a battle emerged for third place in
the standings, the Flyers bounced back to defeat the Dryden
Ice Dogs in their barn. A significant acquisition was made.
It was a busy time for the Sioux Lookout Flyers with four
games in the first week. The Lakers skated away with a 4-2 win
in the first match of a home and home series that opened in
Fort Frances. Adam Wensley and Kalan Ewald notched the Flyer's
goals, and Blake Boaz earned the game winner for the home
team.
It would be a different story the next night in Sioux Lookout
as the Flyer's offense shifted into high gear. The Wensley
brothers led the way in scoring as A. J. exploded for a big
four point night and Adam buried two goals. The save of the
evening belonged to Flyer's goal tender Jordan Giguère, who
made a highlight reel glove stop off a heavy shot by Laker's
forward Byron Katapaytuk. The end result: Sioux Lookout fans
thrilled as their Flyers earn a convincing 7-4 victory over
the Lakers.
It was showdown time with the first place Fort William North
Stars on November 6th in front of a huge hometown crowd of 536
fans. They would be on the edge of their seats for most of the
first stanza as Flyer's goalie Jordan Giguère slammed the
door shut on the powerful North Stars attack. He made eighteen
stops including several patented glove saves. The two teams
went to the first intermission scoreless.
The North Stars struck first in the second period on a power
play goal by Ryan Magill at 7:40 and an even strength tally by
Jordan Davis at the 13:51 mark. Nathan Brown provided some
excitement for the crowd on a shorthanded breakaway. Shayne
Kakegamic worked hard winning puck battles in the corners.
Sioux Lookout stormed back in the third, activating the huge
hometown crowd on goals by Colten Brulé and Brad Bienvenu
which tied the game sending us into overtime. Randall Hanlan's
goal 3:18 into the extra period would end the Flyer's gutsy
performance against the top team in the SIJHL.
In recognition of the sacrifices of our Canadian troops in
Afghanistan, a Canadian Legion Honour Guard ceremony preceded
the November 7th game versus the K&A Wolverines. The
bitter winds of November would signal the beginning of the
Battle for third place in League standings. The surging K and
A Wolverines made that point emphatically as they handed the
Flyers a tough 5-1 loss. Clayton Lewis scored the lone Flyer's
goal.
Bouncing right back into the fray, the Flyers travelled down
highway 72 to met their regional rivals, The Dryden Ice Dogs ,
in an historic hockey battle on November 10th. Hard working
Flyer's forward Ian Alcock opened the scoring as he deked the
Ice Dog's defenseman and fired in his own rebound past goal
tender Curtis Barker. Skilled defenseman Darnell Ferland
assisted on the play. The Dogs would tie the contest 1-1 at
3:15 of the first when sniper Kevin Burton bent the twine.
Sioux regained the lead on a sweet short-handed five-hole
tally by Flyer's Chase Dobranski. Dryden responded with a goal
from the stick of Kyle Heck to tie the game 2-2. The Flyers
faced full five on three disadvantage for most of two minutes.
Were they goners?
No way! Led by the excellent defensive play of veteran
blue-liner A.J. Wensley, the Flyer's special team dug deep to
kill the infractions. Spurred on by their success, their
attack jumped as star defenseman Darnell Ferland power play
goal assisted by Ian Alcock grabbed the lead for the Flyers.
Chase Dobranski's empty netter put the finishing touches on
the Flyer's glorious 4-2 victory against Dryden in their own
rink. Sioux Lookout's goalie, Jordan Giguère was sensational
making forty-five saves and was named the first star of the
game.
The Flyers then battled the Fort Frances Lakers on the road
November 12th. Once again the Wensley brothers came up with
big performances. Adam turned on the red light twice while A.J.
notched the winning goal. Sioux Lookout then concluded the
week with a 3-0 setback versus Dryden. Ice Dogs net minder
Peter Emery earned his third shutout of the season making
thirty-three saves. In a disappointing game for the Flyers,
the Wolverine's recent acquisition from Calgary, Chris Smerek
and Thunder Bay's David Dawd led the scoring to hand them a
6-1 loss.
In a hard fought entertaining game, the Flyers and Ice Dogs
would do battle in a replay of regional rivalry on November
25th. Playing their best period of hockey so far, the Flyers
were whirling dervishes as they outshot the visitors 15-5 in
the second period. Recent significant acquisition Darren
Turner put the Sioux Flyers on the scoreboard in the
electrifying comeback with a shot rifled into the top right
corner of the net. The spark was lit as Flyer's defenseman
Troy Dumais tallied shorthanded, and forward Galen Matyjanka
followed up with a goal making the score 3-2 for the Flyers
after two periods. The Fans were ecstatic!
It was a hard fought third period. Regulation time ended with
the teams tied 3-3 on a goal by Justin Lightfoot. The game
winner was scored in OT by Dryden's Mike Lennon. It had been
another exciting contest between these two teams.
The Flyers concluded the month in Thunder Bay visiting the
Fort William North Stars for a two game series. In the first
game, recent goalie acquisition Brett Timmerman played a good
game making 34 saves in the 4-1 loss. The second game, a 7-1
imbroglio included five fights. It was a feisty affair.
Despite the cold winds of November, the Flyers had turned up
the heat on the opposition. Competition would intensify in
December as early in the month Sioux Lookout fans would be
amazed by the first game performance of an acquisition who
would become known as the, "Man of the Hour".
|
Part
> Pre
Season Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
December
Drama in December
2009
M. & M. Morin, Staff
Writers.
December was a thrilling month for the Sioux Lookout Flyers
that featured several classic games which left Flyers fans on
the edge of their seats. One game was a shoot-out win against
Dryden. In another match, as third place hung in the balance,
the Flyers battled to a big comeback victory against the
Wolverines. However the month began with an electric
individual performance by Dwight Lee acquired from the Fort
Frances Lakers.
There is always a charged atmosphere when a dealt player takes
the ice against a former team. Little did we know that as
Dwight stepped off the Laker's bus and donned the Flyer's
uniform he would be a central figure in one of the most
exciting comeback games of the season.
The Flyers struck quickly with Sioux Lookout sniper Colten
Brulé finding the back of the net only forty nine seconds
into the first assisted by Adam Wensley and power forward
Darren Turner. The Lakers had an answer with Henry Gutierrez
tying the game at one assisted by Josh Scott.
Another compelling theme of this game was the showdown at high
noon between Flyers star goaltender Jordan Giguère and
dangerous Laker's sniper Colten Kennedy, who would stare each
other down on four separate occasions during this entertaining
contest. Giguère made three huge saves and Kennedy notched
one goal. As well, Clayton Lewis scored the important third
goal for Sioux Lookout which tied the game at three.
The night belonged to Lee as he exploded for sixty minutes
worth of offense in only fifty four seconds during the third
period. The "Man of the hour", earned three points
including the game winner on a highlight reel shot into the
top right hand corner of the Laker's cage. Final score: Flyers
5 Lakers 3!
The battle for third place in the SIJHL continued as the K and
A Wolverines came to town to lock horns with the Flyers in
Sioux Lookout on December fourth. Both teams were very
motivated to say the least. What resulted was a hard fought,
physical contest from start to finish. The first period
featured a big hit by Nathan Brown where he slammed Wolverines
sniper Alex Porrier against the boards as well as crunching
hits by Brad Bienvenu and Clayton Lewis. The Flyers would
continue to take the body in the second period with Flyers
forward Darren Turner dishing out a bone rattling hip check.
The Flyers offense would ignite in the third period when the
Orange and Black scored two power play goals in twenty one
seconds by Darren Turner and Chase Dobranski. However the
Wolverines regrouped and scored the next two goals of the
game. Nathan Spina led the way for the visitors with three
assists during the game. The Final score was 4-3 Wolverines.
The Flyers then tangled with the Dryden Ice Dogs on December
seventh in a thrilling contest in which the Flyers proved once
again that they are a team that never gives up. The Flyers
made the opposition pay the price with their relentless
physical play. A.J. Wensley, Adam Wensley, Brad Bienvenu and
Darren Turner were all a physical presence with big hits
during the contest. After Garrett Nystedt tallied giving
Dryden a 3-1 lead in the second period the Flyers were
determined to accept nothing less than victory and staged a
huge come back. Forward Darren Turner caught Ice Dogs
netminder Josh Baker going the wrong way making it a one goal
game heading into the third period. Flyers star Nathan Brown
turned on the red light at 13:20 of the third period tying the
game and drawing a thunderous roar from the crowd. After sixty
minutes of fast skating, hard hitting action the scoreboard
read 3-3 which meant we were going to overtime.
A game within the game emerged in sudden death with a showdown
between the star goaltender Jordan Giguère and the skilled
forward Mike Lennon with Giguère stopping him twice. Nathan
Brown was a monster in OT winning face-offs with the game on
the line. Overtime ended with the score still tied at three
with both teams getting three shots on goal sending this great
game to its third and final chapter... the shootout!
The fans at the Sioux Lookout Memorial Arena were treated to
what will very likely go down as the best shootout of the
SIJHL season with seven skaters on each side tried to lift
their team to victory. Veteran Flyer's forward Galen Matyjanka,
who had to leave the ice under assistance during the first
period, was the hero earning the game winning goal in the
shootout with a lightening quick wrist shot. Flyer's goalie
Jordan Giguère was excellent stopping six of seven shots.
This included a highlight reel save where Ice Dogs forward Ben
McClellan deked right, left and then right again but was
stopped by the Sioux Lookout net minder. Dryden goaltender
Josh Baker stopped five of seven shots in the shootout. Local
lad, Alex Beaulne, played well in his Flyers debut generating
a chance to score and taking the body.
Next up for the Flyers was the big trip down to Spooner
Wisconsin for a two game series against the Wisconsin Mustangs
on December 11th and 12th. The contest on the 11th was a 7-2
setback with Dwight Lee and Logan McDonell getting the Flyer
goals. Stan Ptak led the way for the Mustangs with two goals.
The Flyers bounced back with a 4-1 win on the twelfth with
Darren Turner, Peyton Hutchinson, Adam Wensley, and Brad
Bienvenu turning on the red light for the Flyers. Jake Olson
notched the Mustangs goal.
Sioux Lookout would conclude the 2009 portion of the regular
season with a vitally important two game series against the K
and A Wolverines in Thunder Bay on December 18th and 19th with
third place in the SIJHL standings on the line. Only three
points separated the third seeded Flyers from the fourth place
Wolverines.
K and A got off to a rapid start in the first contest taking a
4-0 lead in to the first intermission but the Flyers came
storming back to tie the game at five in the third period. The
Wolverines scored the winning goal off the stick of Drew
Childs to prevail 6-5. Another close one.
The stakes were high in the Flyer's final game of 2009 as they
stared fourth place right in the face. Down 3-0 early in the
second period star defenseman A.J. Wensley stepped up with a
big performance in a big game scoring on the power play and
assisting on goals by Galen Matyjanka and Clayton Lewis to tie
the game at three. Darnell Ferland put the Flyers ahead 4-3
heading into the third. Each team scored once in the third
with A.J. scoring the winner. The final score was 5-4 for the
Flyers ensuring that Sioux Lookout would go into the Christmas
Break in sole possession of third place.
The Flyers delivered Drama in December with a great
performance by Dwight Lee, "Man of the Hour", a big
win against Dryden, and exciting close games against the
Wolverines. A lot of the Flyer's losses were hard fought
contests decided by a one goal differential. As the snow fell
in Sioux Lookout over the holidays, the Flyers were in third
place...for now.
Close competition continued in January. Fans would see the
emergence of a new young Sioux Lookout forward.
|
Part
> Pre
Season Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
January
A MONTH of FIRSTS
M.& M. Morin, Staff Writers
It was a month of firsts for the Sioux Lookout Flyers in
January with the Orange and Black earning their first two
victories against the powerful first place Fort William North
Stars and their first shutout in franchise history. The month
would also see the first four points of a young forwards
Junior "A" career and a significant acquisition at
the trade deadline. January would not be without its trials
and tribulations however as Sioux Lookout endured several one
goal differentials.
A much anticipated home and home series between the Flyers and
their arch rivals the Dryden Ice Dogs took place on January
2nd in Sioux Lookout and January 3rd in Dryden. On the 2nd,
the Flyers and Ice Dogs headed into the first intermission
with neither team able to get on the score sheet. Dryden took
control of the game in the second stanza on one goal each from
Matthew Caulfield and Jon Mitchell. Rounding out the home
team's scoring with one goal in the third was Justin
Lightfoot. Highlights for the Flyers during the game were a
big hit by gritty forward Adam Wensley and the play of Chase
Dobranski creating scoring chances and drawing a penalty.
The next evening in Dryden the Flyers came storming back with
four straight goals to erase a 3-0 deficit before the Ice Dogs
scored the last two goals of the game to prevail 5-4. Darren
Turner led the way for the Flyers with a goal and an assist.
Next up for the Flyers was a two game set against the
Wisconsin Mustangs in Sioux Lookout on the sixth and seventh.
Fire wagon offense, big hits, a three goal lead disappearing,
and a young forward getting his name on the score sheet for
the first time were the hallmarks of the game on the sixth.
The first stanza featured the two teams trading punches
offensively with the Flyers turning on the red light three
times with goals by Darnell Ferland, Galen Matyjanka and Adam
Wensley.
The Mustangs scored twice on goals by Mike Baker and Nic
Belonger. Flyers star forward Adam Wensley earned a highlight
reel goal deking the Wisconsin defenseman, drawing the
Mustangs goaltender Jon Mclean to the right, and then
unleashing a high wrist shot into the net. It was a physical
opening frame with thundering hits by Darren Turner, Mike
Delvecchio, and AJ Wensley which energized the crowd at the
Sioux Lookout Memorial Arena. Up and coming forward Alex
Beaulne earned his first SIJHL point assisting on the Flyers
second goal of the game by Galen Matyjanka. The second period
had more exciting fire wagon offense with each team notching
two goals and forward Alex Beaulne notching his first SIJHL
goal just over a minute in.
The Mustangs then broke into a gallop. They scored twice on
goals by Alex Riveness and Ian Jenson. Flyers star Galen
Matyjanka stepped up with an excellent display of hard work
using his speed to win a race for the puck along the boards
and then unleashed a hard wrist shot into the top right hand
corner to give the Flyers a 5-4 lead at the 12:07 mark. A
power play goal from AJ Wensley in the third period sewed up a
6-4 win for the home team.
The first shutout in franchise history was recorded in a
memorable game for the Flyers and their fans on the seventh
versus the Mustangs. Goal tender, Brett Timmerman made twenty
four saves including some exciting glove saves and a big save
on a two on one break by cutting down the angles. Adam Wensley,
Colten Brulé, and Darnell Ferland turned on the red light for
the Orange and Black.Vincent Vitale at the other end of the
ice played a good game as well making some nice glove saves.
The hit of the game belonged to Colten Brulé who slammed into
a Mustangs player like an eighteen wheeler in an open ice body
check. Final score Flyers 3 Wisconsin 0.
The final chapter of the season series between the Sioux
Lookout Flyers and the K and A Wolverines was yet another
intense, hard fought contest. Veteran forward Darren Turner
led the way for the Flyers with two points. K & A's Aaron
Ross had a good game for the Wolverines getting a goal and an
assist. Recently acquired goal tender Peter Emery, played well
making forty three saves. He did not let the Wolverines get on
the scoreboard until 6:42 into the second stanza. Was this
player to be the key to solving the Flyer's one goal deficit
syndrome?
The next evening at the Fort William Gardens Peter Emery again
made the opposition work hard to put the puck in the net
keeping the red hot North Stars offense at bay until the 6:39
mark of the second frame when Dan Usiski found the back of the
net. After that goal The North Stars would turn it up a notch
with the final score being 5-1. Trevor Gamache powered the
Stars with three points on the night and hard working Nathan
Brown tallied for Sioux Lookout.
After 4-3 and 4-2 setbacks on the road against the Lakers and
Ice Dogs on the 19th and 20th the Flyers headed back to
Thunder Bay for two games against the league leading North
Stars on the 22nd and 23rd.
A classic shootout encounter, which saw multiple shifts in
momentum and great goaltending from net minders Peter Emery
and Jamie Brattengeier developed on the 22nd. With both teams
locked in a scoreless tie Fort William forward Ryan Pearson
earned the game's first goal late in the second stanza
assisted by newcomer Eli Halcrow. Trailing 1-0 impressive
rookie Alex Beaulne notched a huge goal for the visiting
Flyers early in the third frame to tie the game. The goal gave
Sioux Lookout momentum as skilled forward Darnell Ferland
scored to give the Flyers a 2-1 lead just under three minutes
later. Again it was # 16 Ferland who was the catalyst for the
Flyers. The North Stars knotted the game at two with sniper
Trevor Gamache turning on the red light. It had been sixty
minutes of hard work by both teams.
Overtime saw Flyers goalie Peter Emery put in a stellar
performance stopping all shots by the North Stars to send this
great game to a shootout! Peter Emery again stood tall
stopping Dustin Fummerton and Trevor Gamache. And then it
happened. Adam Wensley and Galen Matyjanka scored to give the
Flyers their first ever win over the Fort William North Stars!
As the North Stars are at their hard skating best in the
confines of the storied gardens and make it a daunting task
for the opposition to earn a victory there, this one tasted
sweet for the Flyers. Maybe...just maybe... the formula had
been found.
Fort William bounced back the next evening earning a decisive
5-0 win. Deadly forward Trevor Gamache led the way for Fort
William with four points during the game.
With great anticipation amongst Sioux Lookout fans, the two
squads then locked horns again in a two game set in town the
next Saturday and Sunday. The first game of the series
featured great goaltending from Peter Emery and Guillaume
Piché. Flyers forward Ian Alcock, ignited the home-town crowd
when he notched a highlight reel goal deking the defenseman
and then going top shelf with a backhand shot. The North Stars
broke a 1-1 tie in the third with goals from Dustin Fummerton
and Trevor Gamache to prevail 3-1.
On Sunday the Flyers struck back.They were led by the inspired
play of A.J. and Adam Wensley, who both notched three points
during the game. Darren Turner earned a memorable tally when
from his knees he shot the puck into the top of the net to
give the Flyers a crucial two goal lead in a close third
period. The power play was effective for Sioux Lookout
capitalizing on penalty trouble by the North Stars. Flyers
goaltender Jordan Giguère was excellent during the contest
making some impressive saves including a stop on a breakaway
by sniper Eli Halcrow. Leading the way for Fort William were
Jordan Davis and Dustin Fummerton with two points each. Final
score 5:3 Flyers! ...their first ever win at home over the
North Stars.
It was an exciting end to the month of January for the Sioux
Lookout Flyers and their fans. They had demonstrated that they
could take their game to the next level with two wins in four
games against the first place Fort William North Stars.
Despite several one goal differential games, hope sprang
eternal that the Flyers had found the formula for the final
push.
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Part
> Pre
Season Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
February
FIERCE COMPETITION IN FEBRUARY
M. & M. Morin, Staff Writers
The Flyers started February
with the most memorable goal tender's duel of the regular
season. Peter Emery in the Flyer's cage and Jameson Shortreed
in the Fort Frances net went save for save through sixty
minutes of regulation and five minutes of overtime. Neither
masked man gave any ground in this defensive battle. True to
form it was Flyer's blue liner A.J. Wensley, who was the hero
for Sioux Lookout scoring the game winning goal. Final score:
Flyers 1, Lakers 0. This game would be indicative of the
fiercely competitive challenges the month would provide. In
the outcome of these games were valuable lessons in the
Flyer's quest for excellence.
A wide open offensive showdown with lead changes characterized
the rematch between these two teams. The Lakers got off to a
quick start with forwards Justin Erhart and Blake Boaz giving
Fort Frances a 2-0 advantage after the opening stanza. Speedy
Sioux Lookout forward Nathan Brown got the home team on the
board with a rifle blast of a shot that turned on the red
light assisted by A.J. Wensley and Darren Turner.
Trailing 3-1 in the third period the Flyers engineered a well
crafted passing play with Galen Matyjanka dishing the puck to
Dwight Lee who slipped a back pass to Chase Dobranski who lit
the lamp. This energized the bench. The Flyers went on to
score the next two goals-one each by Nathan Brown and Logan
McDonell to take a 4-3 lead. In the short but dangerous final
moments of the game the tables turned again.
With only one second left in the third period, the Lakers
leading scorer Tyler Stevenson tied the game at five creating
a large wave of momentum for Fort Frances. Overtime was short
lived as Ryan Presthus notched the game winner just thirty
seconds into the extra frame to seal the win for the Lakers.
It was two familiar foes who locked horns on the 10th in Sioux
Lookout. As the Flyers battled the Lakers, an eerie sense of
déjà-vu gripped the Sioux Lookout Memorial Arena. The Orange
and Black were leading 2-1. Brothers A.J. and Adam Wensley
teamed up for one of the most exciting plays in hockey… the
long pass. With Adam open, A.J. quickly slid the puck down the
ice landing on the stick of #61 in black who made no mistake
giving the Flyers a 3-1 lead. Once again the persistent Lakers
were down but not out. Trailing 4-3 after a Dwight Lee marker,
Fort Frances frustrated the Flyers when forward Jordan Carne
became the hero for the Lakers earning two goals late in the
third cementing the visitors win.
A classic Saturday night shootout thriller ensued versus the
Ice Dogs. The Flyers struck first with sniper Chase Dobranski
accelerating into the Dryden end, splitting the defense and
putting it past Ice Dog's net minder Josh Baker for a
highlight reel goal 9:27 into the opening period. The Ice Dogs
bit back in the second period on goals by Tanner Harms and
Kevin Burton. Again the Flyers had their backs against the
wall. Again, hard shooting Flyers forward Darnell Ferland
erased the Ice Dogs advantage tying the game at 2 with just
over four minutes remaining.
In overtime, Sioux Lookout sniper Nathan Brown was a pillar of
strength in the face offs. Dryden goaltender Josh Baker was
solid in OT making an impressive poke check. When the final
buzzer sounded in the extra period the score remained 2-2.
SHOOT OUT: Both goalies stood their ground and the Ice Dogs
came away with the two points on goals by Chad Liley and B.J.
McClellan. A.J. Wensley tallied for the Flyers. Final Score:
Dryden 3, Sioux 2. Once more the Flyers were agonizingly
close.
Next on the schedule was match up against the Lakers in Fort
Frances on the 16th. Both teams had a balanced offensive
attack with no one player earning more than one goal during
the game. These two squads battled all the way to a shootout
where Flyers defenseman A.J. Wensley earned his second
shootout marker in as many games. However skilled Fort Frances
forward Byron Katapaytuk, notched the game winner. Final score
6-5 for the Lakers.
On the 18th the Flyers and Ice Dogs met for the final time in
regular season play with Dryden skating away with a 5-2 win.
Kyle Heck led the way for the Ice Dogs with two goals while
Clayton Lewis and Alex Beaulne were solid for the Flyers with
Clayton scoring a highlight reel goal and Alex notching two
assists as well as a big hit on Dryden defenseman Andrew
Hansen.
Sioux Lookout finished off the 2009-2010 regular season with a
home game against the Lakers on February 26th. Just like many
of the other clashes between these two teams this month it was
a back and forth affair that was up for grabs in the final
period. With the score 2-2 and the stomachs of the Flyers
faithful tied in knots Sioux Lookout blue liner Clayton Lewis
gave the Flyers a 3-2 lead with a power play goal 17:09 into
the third period before Darren Turner sewed up the victory
with an empty net goal to ensure that the Flyers would end the
regular season on a winning note. The trio of Adam Wensley,
Darren Turner, and Nathan Brown powered the Flyers to victory
producing a combined eight points during the game and Morgan
McNeill led the way for the Lakers with two assists. Final
score Flyers 4, Lakers 2
It was a learning experience for the Flyers at times during
February. Many hotly contested games ended in a close score,
often on great individual efforts in crucial plays late in the
game. You can be sure that these plays were analyzed in great
detail by players and staff in the ongoing search for success.
Moreover, the home team finished the regular season on a
winning note. The young franchise in its second year had
accomplished its goal by moving up to third place out of five
teams in the SIJHL.
They were to face formidable foes in the round robin and
play-offs.
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Part
> Pre
Season Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
March
FLYERS FACE FORMIDABLE FOES
M. & M. Morin,
Staff Writers
In every level of hockey the play offs are a whole
different season altogether. The hits are harder and the goals
are more difficult to come by. Everyone is hell bent on
keeping their season alive. The Sioux Lookout Flyers faced
stiff competition in the round robin tournament versus the top
two teams. In the semi final they locked horns with the
formidable first place Fort William North Stars.
The Flyers first game of the round robin was a showdown with
the run and gun Dryden Ice Dogs on the road. After speedy
defenseman Tanner Harms gave the Ice Dogs a 1-0 advantage
Sioux Lookout sniper Adam Wensley struck back knotting the
game at one at the 5:35 mark of the first period assisted by
Dwight Lee and Clayton Lewis. Dryden would answer with a tally
by B. J. McClellan in the second stanza.
In the final period Kyle Heck gave Dryden a 3-1 lead notching
a shorthanded goal. Flyers forward Adam Wensley was a physical
presence with a big open ice hit on dangerous Dryden
defenseman Jon Mitchell.
Up next was a clash with the Fort William North Stars in
Thunder Bay. Fort William came storming out of the gates with
Trevor Gamache scoring the opening goal of the match 26
seconds into the first en route to a 4-1 win. Chase Dobranski
notched the Flyers goal assisted by Colten Brulé and Peyton
Hutchinson. Trevor Gamache led the way for the North Stars
with three points.
The Flyers returned to Sioux Lookout to conclude the round
robin with home games against Fort William and Dryden on the
10th and 13th. During the contest against the North Stars
Chase Dobranski got off to a solid start winning face offs and
unleashing a heavy open ice hit that sent his opponent flying.
It did not take Fort William long to respond opening the
scoring on a goal by Ryan Pearson. Sioux Lookout had an answer
tying the game at one late in the first stanza as Galen
Matyjanka lit the lamp assisted by Clayton Lewis and Chase
Dobranski.
The North Stars took a 2-1 lead on a goal by Ryan Pearson in
the second frame. Determined to tie the contest, defenseman
Clayton Lewis charged from end to end and fired a shot on
North Stars goalie Guilaume Piché. The Fort William tender
responded by flashing the leather to preserve the one goal
lead. The North Stars took hold of the game in the final
period lighting the lamp twice in the first three minutes with
tallies by Travis Savard and Kyle Breukelman. Sioux Lookout
power forward Darren Turner got one back for the home team at
the 6:21 mark of the period. Final score 4-2 Fort William.
The Flyers concluded the round robin with a game against
Dryden in Sioux Lookout on the 13th. As Ice Dogs sniper Kevin
Burton turned on the red light to give Dryden a 4-0 lead in
the second stanza it seemed like it was going to be a ho-hum
night for the home team and their fans. An impressive display
of skill by Flyers sniper Dwight Lee going top shelf to put
Sioux Lookout on the board sparked a furious rally by the
Orange and Black. This resulted in the game being tied at five
just short of five minutes later. Rookie Alex Beaulne put in
the game tying goal sending the home town crowd into an
uproar. Dryden bounced back with B.J. McClellan scoring the
game winning goal. Final score Dryden-6 Sioux Lookout-5.
The Ice Dogs finished first in the round robin earning the
right to pick their opponent in the semi finals. They chose
the Lakers. That meant that the Flyers would face a formidable
foe...the North Stars.
The first two games of the series were played in Thunder Bay
with game one being a wide open offensive battle which
resulted in an 8-4 win for Fort William. The trio of Galen
Matyjanka, Alex Beaulne, and Darnell Ferland each earned two
points for the Flyers. Casey Dean and Mitch Forbes led the way
for the North Stars with three points each.
Fort William took a 2-0 lead in the series with a 5-2 win in
game two but the Flyers did not go without a fight. In a
strong final frame, the Flyers turned on the red light twice
with tallies by Adam Wensley and Chase Dobranski. Sioux
Lookout also outshot the North Stars 13-10 in the third
stanza.
In games three and four the Flyers worked hard but could not
match Fort William's relentless attack. The league leaders
tallied 4-0 and 8-1 victories in Sioux Lookout, to advance to
the Bill Salonen Cup finals. It was a tough way to end the
season but the Flyers could take pride in a season that much
better than their first. While Sioux Lookout was unable to
earn a post season victory the lessons learned will be
beneficial for playoff battles down the road.
The goal of the Flyers was to finish third in the regular
season. Sioux Lookout accomplished this through determination,
hard work, and playing as a team. Before the team dispersed
for the summer, the Flyers had a season ending banquet to look
back on 2009-2010. During the evening the team handed out the
individual awards. Veteran blueliner A.J. Wensley came away
the big winner being named the Flyers best defenseman and team
MVP. The Flyers now look forward with excitement to the
2010-2011 campaign and are committed to taking it to the next
level.
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