Beat out of playoffs by the Edson Ice

The glimmer of hope created when the Jasper Wolves won their second game in the first round of the playoffs last weekend was crushed as the team was brutally defeated 11-0 by the Edson Ice on Sunday night.

The Wolves played a home game in a packed arena of nearly 400 spectators Saturday evening, beating the Ice 7-4 and buying themselves another game in the playoffs. The team was strong from the start, with a four-point lead by the beginning of the second period.

But when they travelled to Edson Sunday night and lost the home team advantage, it all fell apart. 

Edson swapped goalie Curtis McKinnon, who let in seven goals in Saturday’s game, with Chris Wunder, who goal-tended Sunday’s shutout. Jasper didn’t seem to have a hope, with Edson consistently sinking goals each period.

While hopes were still high after Saturday night’s game, captain Alex Derksen talked about the important of fan support. “At home a huge crowd makes a difference,” he said. 

The Wolves did their best to use what they knew about Edson to their advantage during these last games. “We started to key onto their top line,” Derksen said. “Watching them all year has been helping. Even though they’re still scoring, they’re not scoring as many.”

Next year’s North Central Hockey League season starts up again in October.

The Rockhoppers MS Bike Tour team co-hosted the game and raised about $700 for Multiple Sclerosis funding. The team will ride in the tour in September.