Senior Bonnyville Pontiacs beat Innisfail Eagles in overtime

Senior Pontiacs player Brayden Labant takes a dive after scoring the winning goal in overtime.
The Senior Pontiacs sneak the puck past the Innisfail Eagles.
Senior Pontiacs player Orrie Wood gained control of the puck during their winning game against the Innisfail Eagles.
The Senior Pontiacs get into the wall to fight for the puck during their win against the Innisfail Eagles

BONNYVILLE - The Senior Pontiacs took a win during their Dec. 8 game against the Innisfail Eagles in Bonnyville, with a final score of 5-4. 

Head Coach Corey Wandler says the team was down 3-0 but managed to make an incredible comeback. 

“It wasn't the start that we wanted, but we were able to play much better in the second [period] and carry a good chunk of the play. Finally, we were able to get a goal late in the second [period] to give us some life . . . We had a really good third period - scored three goals and forced overtime where we won it,” said Wandler. 

Wandler said player Brayden Labant scored a big goal for the team in overtime, and that he saw strong games out of Scott Thackaray and Mark Ouellette as well. 

“Our goaltender [Drew Flurry] shut the door midway through the second period. For the rest of the game, he played outstanding, very good effort by him,” said Wandler. 

The coach spoke about the team getting into a bit of a hole in the first period, but the Pontiacs never gave up and kept pushing, which led them to tie the game and force overtime. 

“It was good to see some of the character come out of the guys and the team. It was a tremendous team effort all around. Everyone was chipping in and doing their part,” said Wandler. 

Wandler expressed how proud he was of the team for such an incredible comeback effort against a great opponent. 

“Innisfail Eagles are one of the top teams in the league, so it was huge for us.”  

The next Sr. Pontiacs home game will be held on Jan. 4. 

The Sr. Pontiacs play in the Senior AA North Central Hockey League. The Pontiacs sit in seventh place in the nine-team league. 

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