The Yorkton Maulers scored their first victory of the regular season last weekend, hopefully laying the groundwork for more victories after a series of disappointing showings.
“The boys are starting to learn what it takes to win,” said coach Kevin Rawlick.
First win
The Maulers took on the Battleford Stars in Warman on Sept. 29. The Stars kicked things off with a goal late in the first period. The teams played at a standstill in the second, both unable to score.
The game heated up in the third. The Stars scored again, solidifying a firm lead over Yorkton. The Maulers bounced back with Massen Ziola scoring thanks to assists from Garrett Ellis and Anthony Roebuck. Jayden Harris tied the game 2-2 with another goal due to assists from Austin Dycer and Brett Fogg.
The game went into overtime. After strong back-and-forth play, Josh Peppler (with assists from Carter Dereniwsky and Dycer) scored the game-winning goal for the Maulers.
Rawlick congratulated his team for their hard work in the third period and overtime.
Close loss
The Maulers didn’t fare as well earlier in the week. They faced the strong team of the Saskatoon Contacts on Sept. 28 in Warman. The Contacts burst out of the gate with two goals in first period. Troy Bryksa (with assists from Roebuck and Dycer) responded with a goal for the Maulers in the second. The Contacts landed another goal in the second, leading the game 3-1.
“We let them dictate the game,” Rawlick said.
The Maulers rebounded in third period. Roebuck (with assists from Harris and Peppler) and Ziola (with assists from Ellis and Roebuck) tied the game 3-3 with their goals.
“That third period was probably the best of our season,” Rawlick said.
The Contacts squeaked by with another goal in the third, winning 4-3.
Up next
The Maulers are scheduled to play the Saskatoon Blazers in an away game on Oct. 6.
“The Blazers are very competitive,” Rawlick said. “We’re going to have to skate.
“Discipline is in the game plan.”
