Chris Clegg
South Peace News
The Fox Creek Knights have added to the High Prairie Regals’ early season misery after handing them a 7-5 loss Dec. 6 in their first-ever regular season game as members of the NPHL.
The Knights defeated the Regals 7-5 to increase their record to 7-3 while the Regals fell to 0-9.
If there are such things as a hockey gods, one knew the night would not go well for the Regals. Poor road conditions and a broken belt on the bus on the way to Fox Creek prompted a late arrival and the team did not warm up properly as they arrived only 30 minutes before game time.
Fox Creek took full advantage leading 4-1 after one period. Clayton King opened the scoring for Fox Creek before Braydan Auger’s first of the season tied the game of the Regals.
However, Justin Prichard, Liam Boyle and Mike Bayrack scored in the last 7:47 of the period and the Knights held a commanding lead.
“We played fairly solid in Fox Creek, we didn’t like the first period,” says coach Trent Meyaard.
In the second period, the teams traded goals with Zac Mott scoring for Fox Creek and Luc L’Hirondelle countering for High Prairie.
“We tied the second period and dominated the third,” says Meyaard.
The Regals outscored the Knights 3-2 in the third period with Drake Cunningham, Benny Yellowknee and Thomas Cardinal scoring in the final 16 minutes.
However, Graeme Craig and Bayrack scored in the first 2:30 to give the Knights a 7-2 lead.
“As the game wore on, we just got better and better,” says Meyaard.
“We were very disciplined and we stuck to our game plan and it showed.”
The Knights received only four penalty minutes in the game, the Regals eight. Both teams were scoreless on power play chances although Craig’s goal was scored short-handed and proved to be the game-winner.
The Knights outshot the Regals 52-46. In his second start of the season, Cody Strebchuk stopped 45 shots.
“He was solid,” says Meyaard.
The Regals travel to Falher to conclude the three-game season series with the Pirates Dec. 12 before returning home to play the winless Fort St. John Flyers Dec. 14. The Regals have never defeated the Flyers as members of the NPHL but their opponents have lost 37 straight games over several seasons.
The Regals are also hosting their first teddy bear toss during the Flyers game. Fans are encouraged to bring teddy bears to donate to charity. They will be tossed onto the ice after the Regals score their first goal.
It is also expected that Santa Claus will be making a surprise visit.