By Derek Cornet

Playoff action

Ice Wolves miss SJHL playoffs for third year in a row

Feb 12, 2019 | 1:41 PM

For the third consecutive season, the La Ronge Ice Wolves won’t be advancing to the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League playoffs.

The Ice Wolves officially lost a spot in the playoffs Feb. 9 after they suffered a 4-3 loss to the Nipawin Hawks, which is the top placing team in the league. The Ice Wolves currently have a record of 39 loses and 10 wins for 22 points compared to 45 loses, 10 wins and 23 points last season. During the 2016-2017 season, the squad had 47 loses and six wins.

“In the regular season, we had some success in terms of our organization and outreach in the community and so on,” Ice Wolves board member Randy Johns said. “We’re not quite as good as we want it to be on the ice. Overall, it was a positive season for the Ice Wolves and the organization.”

Johns noted in the coming months, the board will review all aspects of the team to find out what they can do to make it stronger for next season. That will involve player exit interviews in March, he added, so they can learn from the roster what they should improve. With the team consisting largely of younger players, Johns said there’s quite a bit of potential as some skilled athletes will be coming back.

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For example, team captain Zach Bannister will return and he’s currently among the top 10 for scoring in the SJHL. This season Bannister secured 23 goals, 36 assists and is the only player from La Ronge sitting in the top 20. Defenceman Antonio Di Paolo will also be back and he has a record of 12 goals and 21 assists.

“At this point in time, the organization is reviewing all the potential reasons for the record and looking at the actions to be taken,” Johns said.

With three more home games this season, there will be promotions to lure more fans to the Mel Hegland Uniplex. Johns stated Northlands College is sponsoring the Feb. 15 match against the Humboldt Broncos and everyone who attends will have a chance of winning a 40-inch TV. The Broncos face off against the Ice Wolves again Feb. 16 and admission will only be $2 with the 50/50 draw starting at $2,000. Lastly on March 2, the squad takes on the Flin Flon Bomber and any unused ticket can be used for entrance to the game.

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derek.cornet@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @saskjourno