Just like my kids gallbladder, Spruce Grove Saints taken out

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"You know how you say that the speedbumps in your neighborhood could dislodge a kidney stone? I wonder if it's the same for gallstones". That's the text I woke up to Wednesday morning from my youngest (22 years old) about twelve hours before their gallbladder was removed. That was kind of how it felt watching the Spruce Grove Saints play the Powell River Kings Friday night at Thompson Family Arena. 

The Kings caused pain in every way on "Country Night" scoring on two of three of their powerplays, winning the one fight in the game and jumping out to a five goal lead en route to taking out the Saints 5-2.

Leading into the game the Saints traded 5'10" defenseman Kohyn Pipke to Blackfalds for 6'3" defenseman Jeppe Bertram and the rights to forward Luke Norcross. Norcross played last night for his current team the Des Moines Buccaneers of the USHL. The Saints non-rostered defenseman Brodie Kay to make the numbers work so technically their roster is a man down until either Norcross officially comes backnto the BCHL or the Club signs another player. 

Bertram did not have the impressive first game in a Saints uniform as some other Saints rookies had (thinking of Jacob Hamel and Michael Zuyev) but one hopes that's simply first game on a new team jitters. The offensive forces Hamel and Zuyev were the opening weekend, which still stands as the only two games the Saints have won seven games into the season, only Hamel showed those flashes last night.

Also heading into the game the Saints announced their leadership group for the season. Of the five men on this night, Felix Haibock had the best game with multiple scoring chances per period before finally being rewarded with a goal in the third period. Gabriel Kenny, who continues to be his steady but unspectacular self, scored the other Saints goal. It was Brett Barnes who lost the fight after what I thought was a clean, hard hit to a Powell player but unfortunately in today's hockey (including the NHL) hard open ice hits tend to end up in the player delivering the blow having to fight immediately after. 

Alexy Lachaine and Owen Leckelt were quiet on this night. "Seniors" and letter worthy nominees Junior Podein and Adam Perron were also quiet. 

Rookie defenseman Cole Bent had some notable rough moments. Opening weekend sensation Lucas Achim had a strong third period. Lucas Cilan took a regular shift with Haibock and Podein, which I tab "Line one", and looked steady but unspectacular. Richard Krnac was scratched again, he was walking fine on the concourse handing out Lexus tickets, maybe he draws in tonight against the undefeated Victoria Grizzlies. 

NEXT UP:

Yes the 7-0 Grizzlies visit Thompson Family Arena tonight. Among all the questions is who will take the net for the Saints. Joseph Quintilio was pulled Friday after giving up 4 goals on 16 shots, although the hook was more to shake up the team more than a comment on his play. Rookie Colten Scott, after allowing a quick goal open his entry into the game, actually played quite well. Do you go with the more experienced netminder against the hottest in the league?


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