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Jr. B Canadiens pull ahead to fifth place

The St. Paul Jr. B Canadiens (13-9-1-1) won their final game of 2017 6-2 against the Saddle Lake Warriors (0-28) on Dec. 23, before heading into Christmas break, bumping then to fifth place in the NEAJBHL.
The Jr. B Canadiens went into the third period strong, but fell to the T-Birds by a score of 2-1 on Dec. 23.
The Jr. B Canadiens went into the third period strong, but fell to the T-Birds by a score of 2-1 on Dec. 23.

The St. Paul Jr. B Canadiens (13-9-1-1) won their final game of 2017 6-2 against the Saddle Lake Warriors (0-28) on Dec. 23, before heading into Christmas break, bumping then to fifth place in the NEAJBHL.

The night before, the Canadiens faced a tougher challenge on home ice, losing 2-1 to the third placed Frog Lake T-Birds (17-8-1), on Dec. 22.

It took until almost seven minutes into the second period for the opening goal that came courtesy of Alexander Astasiewicz to give the Canadiens the 1-0 lead, during the Friday night game.

The home team held that lead into the third period, when Frog Lake’s Joshua Swampy tied things up at four and a half minutes into the final frame, and then Michael Cardinal notched the game winner with less than four minutes remaining in the game.

It was a goaltending duel and a defensive battle throughout, as Justin Fedoruk turned aside 35 shots for Frog Lake and Michael Davis stopped 26 for St. Paul.

The Canadiens had more than their fair share of chances, with five power plays on the night, but the boys couldn’t get anything behind Fedoruk.

A day later, the Canadiens would steal yet another win from the Saddle Lake Warriors, who remain winless this season. Zach Bendall had a strong night, with two goals and an assist. Brodin Ference would also score for the Canadiens, along with Arron Gagne, Piita Manyfeathers, and Cameron Potter each netting goals.

On the Warriors’ side, Tyrone Potts Jr. and Orrie Wood would find the back of the net.

Dominik Buffalo stopped 51 of 57 shots in the loss, while Davis turned aside 29 of 31 before Brayden Evans finished the final nine minutes stopping all six shots he faced.

The fifth place Canadiens are back in action at home twice this weekend, first facing off against the Cold Lake Ice (11-14-1-1) on Friday, and then taking on the Lloydminster Bandits (13-13-2) on Saturday.

The Saddle Lake Warriors were scheduled to play at home on Dec. 29 against the top-ranked team in the league, the Wainwright Bisons. Due to the Journal’s early press deadline, results from the game were unavailable.

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