Saints lose with no sass and the world loses Sass Jordan

 

The screenshot from Instagram is the short summary of the Spruce Grove Saints loss Saturday hosting Cranbrook. Goaltender Colten Scott allowed three goals in four shots before being pulled from the net. The shot clock had the Saints up 14-4 at that point, by games end it was 33-30. Still down two goals heading into the third period, Cranbrook had the better closing frame never really allowing Saints fans the chance to fantasize of a comeback. 

Joseph Quintilio should have earned a game star for his efforts after taking over the Saints crease. He stopped all 26 shots he faced, the Bucks fourth goal was into an empty net. Quintilio made multiple breakaway, 2-on-1 and 3-on-2 saves. It just seemed like every Buck forward was skating faster than every Saints defenseman. Obviously that's exaggeration but outside the three mistakes that ended up as goals against there were a plethora more dangerous chances created by the team in green than the team in pink.

PINK?

This was the Saints annual Breast Cancer Fundraiser night. In a touching moment Owen Leckelt's mom was introduced as a cancer survivor and one of two ladies dropping the ceremonial puck. You could see Leckelt struggling to stay in "hockey mode" as he skated into circle to take the faceoff by his mom.

When the Saints aired their "who we fight for" Cancer video many of the players listed Finn Marshall. Marshall was acquired by the Saints via trade last season in February. I cannot find any public acknowledgement of the young goalie having Cancer so it might be a close parent of his. Either way, best wishes and courage to the Marshall family and all families affected by this disease. 

Sass Jordan 

When my high school sweetheart broke up with me, it was the music of Sass Jordan that helped me. Her 1992 album "Racine" let the tears flow. 1994's "Rats" let the anger out. Admittedly 1998's "Tell Somebody" was the last album of hers I bought but those first two albums of hers hold a special place in my heart. Rest in Peace Sass Jordan. 

BACK TO HOCKEY 

As expected Gavin McNeil drew back in for Richard Krnac as Krnac recovers from a leg injury sustained Friday night. McNeil looked like someone who should stay in the lineup. Rookie defenseman Cole Bent was replaced by rookie forward Owen Cronan. Cronan definitely got "13th forward" minutes although he listed as "regular forward". 

Coach Lachaine put his lines into a blender spreading the "top line" of Alexy Lachaine-Felix Haibock-Junior Podein into three lines. Typically though two of the three were on the ice together. Another visit to the blender may be in order. 

The Saints did not take a minor penalty resulting in a Cranbrook man advantage. Overall the game was practically shenanigans free as there weren't even many post whistle scrums. The Saints powerplay finished 0-for-5 with a sliding down scale of effectiveness as the game progressed.

The first weekend of the season defenseman Michael Zuyev, Kohyn Pipke and Jacob Hamel each grabbed my attention with their penchant to move the puck up ice and direct pucks toward the net. While Coach is at the blender mixing up new forward lines, if he could find a time machine to bring back these versions of half his defensive corps, that would be great. 

Next up:

Friday October 9 the Powell River Kings, affectionately nicknamed the BC Sherwood Park Crusaders as they feature the Alberta rivals former Coach Brennan Menard, starting goaltender Filip Vavro and three forwards, visit Thompson Family Arena.

Saturday October 10 the Victoria Grizzlies visit. As of this posting, Victoria is undefeated in the young BCHL season.