Chris Clegg
South Peace News
Any hopes the High Prairie Regals had of avoiding the basement in the NPHL’s East Division this season went up in smoke last week.
Needing a win against the Valleyview Jets to avoid last place, and the right to host a first round best-of-three playoff series, the visitors came to town and dominated the Regals 12-4. To make matters worse, another Jets’ win 6-1 over visiting Fort St. John Jan. 11 coupled with the Regals losing 7-3 to the Athletics in Grande Prairie mathematically sealed their fate.
The Jets were full value for their win – the first on the road this season. It was also the first time since at least 1989 the Jets scored at least 10 goals in game in High Prairie and it tied for their second largest road margin of victory in at least 36 years.
The Jets even managed to lead after the first period when ex-Regal Drake Cunningham opened the scoring. It was the first time in 14 games this season the Jets led after one. They took full advantage by exploding for seven second period goals to lead 9-2.
Cunningham and the Regals parted ways earlier this season. Cunningham still remains the Regals’ leading scorer and led the Jets with four goals. Cole Basnett added a hat trick while Braeden L’Hirondelle scored his first two goals of the season. Kyler Hamelin, Rylee Hebert and Tyler Wirth added singles. Hebert also added six assists and Wirth three.
Tristan Auger, James Tallman, Riley Prevost and Gordy Laderoute replied for High Prairie, which was outshot 52-32.
The Jets scored on their only power play chance in the game while the Regals were held scoreless on their one chance. Only four minor penalties were called in the game, two to each team.
The Regals saw their record to drop to a league-worst 1-15 in the loss at Grande Prairie, although they put in a much better effort in losing to the 9-7 Athletics.
The Regals trailed 2-1 after one period and 5-2 after two but cut their shots on goal against to 33. The Regals average over 50 shots on goal against per game.
Benny Yellowknee scored twice for High Prairie with Braydan Auger adding the other goal.
Darby Berg replied with a pair for the Athletics. Linden Calliou, Keaton Mercredi, Parker Sharp, Carter Berg and Bailey Hartman added the other goals.
Power plays were few and far between again in the game. High Prairie was blanked on two chances while Sharp clicked for the Athletics on one of three chances.
The Regals have on four games left in the regular season before opening playoffs on the road Feb. 4, very likely at Valleyview. All teams qualify for playoffs this season.
The Regals host the West Division leading Dawson Creek Canucks on Jan. 18 but the game may be moved to Jan. 28