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The Ice Wolves play their next home game Sunday at the Mel Hegland Uniplex. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)
SJHL action

Ice Wolves take home opener, fall against Mustangs on the road

Sep 21, 2022 | 2:04 PM

The La Ronge Ice Wolves sit at one win and one loss headed into an away game in Flin Flon on Friday.

A crowd of 577 people attended the Ice Wolves home opener Sept. 16 against the Nipawin Hawks at the Mel Hegland Uniplex. The Ice Wolves took an early lead of 3-0 after the first period, but the Hawks struck back in the second with four goals and were trailing by one pointing by the end of the period. Two more goals in the third secured a 7-4 win for the Ice Wolves.

“We got off to a great start,” said assistant coach Kyle Schneider. “We had a tough second, but it was a good learning experience. We came out in the third and got the job done. We were happy with our group’s effort for Friday night.”

Ice Wolves forward Seth Dragon was suspended for two games following a five-minute major for cross-checking and a 10-minute game misconduct.

The following day the Ice Wolves were on the road to take on the Melfort Mustangs. There the team fell 5-1 with the lone goal coming from Kale Taylor.

“It was a big night for them with it begin their home opener,” Schneider said. “I thought they came out of the gate flying. We had some great chances in the first period. If they go in, it’s a different game, but overall the score ended up being 5-1. We gave up an empty netter, but I thought it was a lot closer than that for sure.”

Hamburgers and hotdogs were sold prior to the home opener last Friday. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

Regarding the 10-game suspension for head coach Kevin Kaminski, Schneider explains it was a good test for him to take over coaching duties considering it is still early in his career. He said the team wished Kaminski was on the bench with them, but Schneider told the players it would be the same methods, just a different person delivering it to them.

The Ice Wolves will be in Flin Flon on Friday for a game against the Bombers and will be back for a home game Sunday to take on the Kindersley Klippers. Sunday’s game has a 4:30 p.m. start time.

“We still have lots of things to sharpen up and work on,” Schneider said. “I wouldn’t say there is one area of our game where it was weak over the weekend. We’re still working on getting in shape, getting crisper and moving the puck sharp and playing fast. We’ll keep working at it and get ready for Flin Flon.”

derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @saskjourno