Goals rain down for Jasper Wolves over the weekend

Just as captain Kent Paterson and vice-captain Alex Derksen promised last week, the Jasper Wolves ended their six-week losing streak by winning two home games on the weekend.

The team had a slow start to the weekend, falling two behind in the first period of their game against Fox Creek on Saturday. Despite a weakened defence, Fox Creek managed to keep Jasper to just eight shots on goal in the first period, compared to their 17. 

Fox Creek was clearly out to antagonize the Jasperites and took control of the game. It wasn’t until the 17 minute mark of the second period that Rob Olsen scored a goal for Jasper. Then, with just two minuets to go in the second period, Taylor Van Tighem came back from the penalty box and snatched a quick goal to put the team just one goal behind at the second break. 

While the Wolves seemed rejuvenated at the beginning of the third, controlling most of the play, they were unable to capitalize on several shots at goal and Fox Creek promptly snuck another one into their goal to take the lead to two points. Jasper responded quickly, with two goals in less than a minute bringing the score to 4-4 with 9 minutes left in the third. The Wolves fought hard with several coincidental minors called along with a few penalties and Van Tighem sealed the deal for Jasper by scoring in sudden death overtime.

The Sunday afternoon game against Lamont highlighted the talent of Jasper’s forwards. It took the Wolves just four minutes to get their first goal and Lamont quickly replied. Seth Caryle had fours goals, all assisted by Alex Derksen, in the first period and another two in the second period, which was part of a scoring frenzy that saw the Wolves get seven goals from nine shots. 

While Lamont scored two in the first they were silenced until six minutes into the third period. Despite these late goals, Lamont were always out of reach of Jasper, who had a 10-point lead at the beginning of the third. The Wolves didn’t finish quite as hard, getting just two goals in the last third to finish the game 14-2. The Jasper Wolves have a week off with no game until Dec. 12 in Onoway and then Dec. 13 at home against Hinton. 

They will play without Troy Cherwinksi on Dec. 12 due to a two-game suspension for gross misconduct in the Fox Creek game.