The La Ronge Ice Wolves only have six regular season games left. (Facebook/La Ronge Ice Wolves)

By Derek Cornet

sjhl

Playoff spot nearly out of reach for Ice Wolves

Feb 28, 2024 | 4:46 PM

A game tonight between the Weyburn Red Wings and the Nipawin Hawks could determine whether or not the La Ronge Ice Wolves will still have a shot at a Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League playoff spot.

“We need some help tonight. Weyburn is the eighth place team and, if they win or get a point, we’re out,” said Ice Wolves Head Coach Kevin Kaminski.

“We need some help from Nipawin tonight to keep our chances or hopes alive for the weekend. Obviously, we need some help from Nipawin, that would be great, then we have to control our own destiny, then worry about Friday’s game and Saturday’s game. Whether we are in and out, I expect the guys to be professional, put the work boots on, punch the clock and come to work.”

It’s been a difficult season for the Ice Wolves, who currently sit in 11^th place with 15 wins and 35 losses for 35 points. The Notre Dame Hounds are in 12^th place with 32 points and the Hawks are in 10^th place with 42 points. There are six regular season games left for the Ice Wolves.

Looking back at the season so far, Kaminski explained it’s been a frustrating one.

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“I thought we were a team that finds ways to lose instead of ways to win and years before it has been different,” he said.

“I think some guys need to step up, I think some guys have underachieved. We play so good at times against the best team and then whether it’s a bad start or bad third or it’s a bad penalty or a bad turnover, it always seems to find the puck in the back of our net and it cost us big time. You’d think by now, with only six games left, we would have learned that and found ways to win instead.”

The Ice Wolves next play back-to-back home games on March 1 and 2 against the Red Wings. The team’s final home game of the season will be held March 16 against the Melfort Mustangs.

This Friday game is set to be an exciting one for fans. The 50/50 will start at $2,000 thanks to A&W and there will be a chance to win a $1,000 Co-op gift card during the first intermission. Fans will also receive a free Co-op Gold item and there will be a chance for the public to skate with the Ice Wolves after the game.

“I know it hasn’t been the best year, but we would appreciate the fans coming out and supporting us,” Kaminski said.

“We do a lot in the community and obviously it’s better to play in front of a big crowd than a small crowd. We would appreciate their support no matter what.”

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com