The La Ronge Ice Wolves were looking to snap a seven-game losing streak on Saturday in Melfort, but the Mustangs ended up routing the Wolves 8-1.
The Jekyll and Hyde season continued for the La Ronge Ice Wolves Saturday. After a solid effort that resulted in a 2-1 loss Tuesday at home to Nipawin, the Ice Wolves were outplayed in all facets of the game Saturday.
Carson Albrecht and Jake Hobson scored in the first, as the Mustangs took a 2-0 lead heading into the second. La Ronge was outshot 18-6 in the first frame. If it wasn’t for the strong play of Daniel Davidson in the opening period, the damage could have been a lot worse. Davidson made 34 saves in the loss. He was replaced by Jordan Frey with about 10 minutes remaining in the third. Frey allowed two goals on six shots in a relief appearance.
It looked like the Mustangs were going to head into the third with a 2-0 advantage, but Justin Ball and Parker Fofonoff were able to tally in the last minute of the second, giving Melfort a 4-0 lead.
Jake Hobson, Colin Schmidt, Kayle Tosh and Gabe Odowichuk would all find the back of the net in the third frame, while Zach Bannister had the only La Ronge goal in the third period. Shawn Parkinson made 23 saves for his third straight win since being acquired from the AJHL’s Drayton Valley Thunder.
With the loss, the Ice Wolves slipped to 6-19 on the season, which has them in last in the overall standings and six points back of Melville for the final playoff spot in the SJHL.
La Ronge will look to rebound on Sunday at home when the Melfort Mustangs come to town for the conclusion of the home-and-home series. Sunday’s game gets underway at 5 p.m. from the Mel Hegland Uniplex.
(PHOTO: The Ice Wolves made their second trip of the season to Melfort Saturday. Photo by Braden Malsbury.)