By Kyle Legouffe

The second game of the weekend between Briercrest and Keyano was one that showed intensity and determination. Briercrest was coming off a thrilling overtime win and was not able to come away with their second victory of the season.

Now with a win under their belt Briercrest is still gearing themselves for a playoff push. The playoffs are still in sight but they will have to play with the determination and competitive nature that got them their first win this season. The push for the playoffs will continue next weekend when the boys travel to Lac La Biche to take on the Portage Voyagers.

The opening period had both teams come out with determination and showing that they wanted to set the tone early. Briercrest was throwing the body, but saw themselves go down a goal. Briercrest got the only power play during the frame and they generated great scoring opportunities but could not solve Husky goaltender Jeff Puddephatt. The Huskies out shot Briercrest 15-7 in the stanza and went into the dressing room with the 1-0 lead.

The middle frame saw more hitting and chippy play as both sides came throwing the body. Briercrest had two power plays in the period but could not find a way to put the puck into the net. Keyano was able to pot two goals, one of which was questionable as Jesse Chenard looked to have the puck covered but the whistle did not go and the Huskies were able to jam the puck over the line. Keyano took a 3-0 lead, but Manuel Schellenberg tickled the twine for Briercrest to cut the lead to two.

The final stanza brought more rough play as there were some questionable hits thrown. Brennan Gasmo of Briercrest was hit from behind, which did not draw a penalty, but teammate Josh McGuire stood for Gasmo and ended up dropping the gloves in what was a spirited tilt. There were a total of eight penalties handed out as each team was given four. Ryan Petersen was able to jump up in the play and bang in his first career ACAC goal, which cut the lead to 4-2, but Keyano was able to add the empty net goal to make the final 5-2.  

The player of the game award was handed out to Bryce Wilson of Keyano and of Ryan Petersen Briercrest.

The team will be on the road next weekend, as the Portage Voyagers will host them. Tune into www.sportscanada.tv for a live stream of the games or for intermission updates check out the Briercrest Hockey Facebook page.