BONNYVILLE, AB (January 17, 2015) – The Bonnyville Pontiacs scored three times in each of the second and third periods, as the Fort McMurray Oil Barons (25-17-4) dropped the final game of the weekend road trip 6-3.
The Barons got off to a quick start in the opening period, when Mitchell Vanderlaan (Hanwell, NB) opened the scoring 44 seconds into the game.
The MOB also held the Pontiacs to 10 first period shots, and went 2/2 on the penalty kill.
But the Pontiacs got on another powerplay just over 9 minutes into the second, and tied the game 1-1 on a goal from Bobby McMann.
Just over two minutes later, Ryan Piche put Bonnyville ahead 2-1, with Evan Warmington picking up his second assist of the night.
And nearly four minutes after that, Barons goaltender Brett Lewchuk (Saskatoon, SK) got caught playing a puck outside his crease, leading to McMann’s second of the night.
Up 3-1 to start the third, Bonnyville picked up right where it left off.
Just 16 seconds in, Brinson Pasichnuk extended the Bonnyville lead to 4-1.
And after picking off a turnover, Dillan McCombie broke in alone and beat Lewchuk at the 43 second mark, for a commanding 5-1 lead.
After Brady Bakke put the Pontiacs up 6-1 at the three minute mark, the Barons started to show some resiliency.
Four-and-a-half minutes later, captain Jetlan Houcher (Paradise Valley, AB) extended his goal-scoring streak to eight games, making it 6-2.
As well, new Baron Landon Welykholowa (Calgary, AB) picked up his first point in a Barons uniform, with an assist on the Houcher goal.
And eight minutes later, Salvatore Scalise (Calgary, AB) saw his shot from the outside find the back of the net, bringing the score back to within 3.
Troy Trombley made 25 saves for the win in the Bonnyville net, while Lewchuk made 32 saves in a tough-luck loss.
The Barons’ loss coupled by Lloydminster’s shootout loss against the Canucks means the Bobcats are now four points up on the Barons for second spot in the North division.
Up next, the MOB have a full week back at home, before hosting two South division opponents in the Okotoks Oilers on Friday, and the Drumheller Dragons on Saturday (January 23/24).
Tickets are available at the Casman Centre box office, online at tickets.oilbarons.com, or by phone at 780 743 5509.
KAOS 91.1 3 Stars:
3. Steenn Pasichnuk (1A)
2. Evan Warmington (2A)
1. Bobby McMann (2G)