Regals end long losing streak

High Prairie defenceman Shane Smith makes sure Peace River’s Nick Laporte can’t get around him during North Peace Hockey League play Dec. 18. Laporte had two goals and two assists but Smith’s Regals got the last laugh in a 7-6 win.

Chris Clegg
South Peace News

“Whew!” A huge sigh of relief was heard after the High Prairie Regals defeated the first place Peace River Stampeders in North Peace Hockey League action Dec. 18. The sputtering Regals had lost eight of 10 and were without their two top scorers – Tyler Shantz and Cory Reid – but the Regals wouldn’t be denied and were full value for the hard-fought win. Peace River and High Prairie are still tied with 11 points but Peace River holds two games in hand. Had the Regals gassed this game, they would have trailed Peace River by four points and could kiss any hopes of first place goodbye. Newcomer Brad Kerr, recently released by Fairview, scored the only goal of the first period. Ironically, he took Reid’s number, who bolted for Lakeland and played in Valleyiew the same night. Peace River erupted early in the second period to take a 3-1 lead on a pair of goals from Aaron Parenteau. Nick Laporte added the other goals and it looked like the Regals were in big trouble. But not this night. The Regals scored three of the next four goals before the end of the period and the game was tied. They would repeat the feat in the third period and hold on for the win. Rollie Gladue continued his splendid play of late with two goals and two assists. He was rightly named the game’s first star. Davis Baroldi, Lawrence Anderson, Kerr, Lance Gauchier and T.J. Cunningham added the other goals. Parenteau and Laporte each scored twice for Peace River with Tyler Valin and Dustin Horosko adding the others. The game was highlighted by suspect goaltending at both ends. However, after letting in some soft goals, Kyle Shantz bore down and made the key saves when he had to and preserved the win. Peace River was one-for-seven on the power play while High Prairie failed to score on its only chance. High Prairie outshot Peace River 40-37 including 30-21 in the final two periods, when it was evident High Prairie’s speed and skill was too much for Peace River to handle. The Regals are off until Christmas, then begin preparations for a big home-and-home series with the arch-rival Lakeland Eagles. The first game is in McLennan Dec. 30 and back in High Prairie Dec. 30. Game time is 8:30 p.m.

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