Regals clinch first; bring on the Eagles!

Chirs Clegg
South Peace News

There was a time when the Grimshaw Huskies would have rather faced a firing squad than hand the High Prairie Regals anything. But that was the furthest thing from the Huskies minds Jan. 15 as they were blasted 10-3 by the hometown Regals in a game that clinched first place for the Regals. The Huskies came to town with third place secured and without five of their top seven scorers including Chris Houlder, Sheldon Szmata, Jamie Noskey, Blake Quinney and Cordell Quinney. It showed as the Regals, down a few players themselves such as T.J. Cunningham (second on the club in scoring) and several defenceman, still dominated the game and won with ease. It only took the Regals 59 seconds to score as Jay Anderson scored the first of his three goals on the night to go along with an assist. It was 4-0 less than 13 minutes into the contest and 4-1 after one period. The Regals scored twice in the second period to lead 6-2 and added four more goals in the third. On this night, they could have probably scored 15 if they truly wanted to. Captain Lance Gauchier also scored three goals and added an assist. Claude Cunningham on the power play, Rollie Gladue, Rondy Gauchier and Justin Paul added the other goals. Terry Houlder was the lone bright spot for Grimshaw. At over 40, he still plays well. He scored twice with Aaron Franklin adding the other goal. Brett McPhedran started in goal for the Huskies but was pulled after one period. Danny Sydorko came in and struggled mightily. Between the two of them they must have surrendered at least six horrible goals. Sandford Lamouche tended net for the Regals and increased his record to 9-2 with the win. He stopped 17 of 20 shots and virtually had the night off as the Regals would have no part of letting the Huskies mount any sustained pressure. The Regals outshot the Huskies 44-20. About the only part of the Regals’ game that was poor was special teams. They scored once in seven power play chances while giving up two power play goals on eight chances. The Regals travelled to McLennan to close out the regular season against the Lakeland Eagles in what both clubs knew was a playoff preview between the clubs. Jay Anderson and Rollie Gladue gave the Regals a 2-1 first period lead after Steven Cunningham opened the scoring. In the second, Ralph Courtoreille tied the game with the only goal of the frame. In the third, Bruce Cunningham gave the Regals a 3-2 lead but the Eagles rallied on goals from James Tallman, Brent Anderson and Andrew Lamouche to take a 5-3 lead. However, Lance Gauchier closed the gap to 5-4 before Gladue scored twice in the game’s final seven minutes, including the winner on a power play with 46 seconds left. If special teams were a problem two nights earlier, it was the saving grace for the Regals in this game. The scored three times on 11 chances while the Eagles clicked on only one of six chances. Shots on goal were even at 32 with Cannon Cunningham recording the win while Nelson Tallman suffered the loss. The Regals and Eagles begin their East Division Semi-Final best-of-seven series tonight (Feb. 20) at 8:30 p.m. at the Sports Palace. The teams go back to McLennan for the second game of the series Feb. 22 before the third game back in High Prairie Feb. 24. Please see a complete NPHL playoff schedule on the Stats Page on page 16.

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