“Jinx? What jinx?” ask Regals

Chris Clegg
South Peace News

A win is a win is a win. But this one must have tasted a little sweeter. The High Prairie Regals returned from Fairview Nov. 1 with a 9-5 win marking only the second time in 15 tries they posted a “W” over the still winless Kings in North Peace Hockey League action. “I was really happy with the guys,” says player-coach Tyler Shantz. “We got off to a slow start. Fairview came out flying like they usually do.” Indeed, the Kings rolled to a 4-1 first period lead and it looked like the same old, same old. The lead was aided with seven power play chances in the period as the Regals couldn’t stay out of the sin bin. Tom Bondaruk, Brett Sharp and Clay Bondaruk all scored power play markers and the Kings were flying high. Derek Larson added the other goal. Meanwhile, Shantz was disappointed with the refereeing but refused to comment. Rather, the Regals chose to fight back. T.J. Cunningham’s power play goal with 3:21 left gave the Regals life as they pulled to within two. Shantz had scored a short-handed goal to account for the other Regals’ goal. Shantz added a pair of second period goals to tie the game, one on the power play, the other at even strength. Dustin Craig restored the Kings’ lead just over a minute into the third period. From then on, it was all Regals as they rattled off five straight goals to win. Cunningham scored twice, once on the power play, while Shantz added his fourth goal of the game. Lance Gauchier and Stewart Cunningham’s power play marker accounted for the other goals. “We battled back,” says Shantz, understating the win. “Everyone showed a lot of character.” Especially goaltender Kyle Shantz, who sported an unflattering 10.74 goals against average entering the contest. He was shelled with 51 shots including 32 in the first two periods when the Regals could have been too far behind to rally. “He’s back, he played really, really well,” says Tyler Shantz of his little brother. The team’s power play continues to fire on all cylinders as it clicked on four of eight chances. Overall, the club has scored 10 times on 21 chances to lead the NPHL at 47.62 per cent. “We’re really moving the puck well, the guys know what they’re doing,” says Shantz. “They’re creative and hit the man in the open spot.” Having Cunningham back was a big help. His three goals and two assists give the club another offensive weapon. “It’s sure nice to have him back,” says Shantz, adding he makes the team much better. Shantz also says Cody Willier, Peter Chalifoux and Ralph Courtoreille never get any credit but played a huge part in the win. The Kings bring a physical presence to the game but no one shied away showing the Regals weren’t going to lay down this night. The Kings outshot the Regals 51-34 in the game and have lost all three games to start the season. The Regals climbed into first place in the NPHL’s East Division with a 2-1 record. The Regals travel to Falher Nov. 7 to play the Pirates. Although the Regals swept the Pirates in four games last season, Shantz expects a tough game. “They beat Lakeland and they always have a good team,” says Shantz. “We’ll have to be on our game to get the two points.” The game marks the first of four meetings this season. Last season, the Regals won 14-4 and 6-4 in Falher and 9-6 and 12-5 at the Sports Palace. The Regals host the Grande Prairie Athletics Nov. 8 as they make their only visit to High Prairie this season. Fans will remember the A’s ousted the Regals from last year’s playoffs so the club is eager to avenge. “We’re going to try and get everyone back for that game,” says Shantz, adding he wants to win badly. Last year, the Regals shut down the A’s with a solid 4-1 win on home ice. The Regals may have a surprise for the A’s. They are trying to sign two players, Craig Yellowdirt and Al Gladue. Gladue played with the Lloydminster Blazers in 2003-04 and had 2-2-4 totals with 146 penalty minutes.

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