High-flying Regals ground listless Jets

Valleyview Jets player Tracy Stewart, left, reaches for the puck as High Prairie’s Rollie Gladue dives in an attempt to check. Goaltender Cannon Cunningham provides the last line of defence to make sure no goal was scored during the North Peace Hockey League game in Valleyview Jan. 6. High Prairie blasted the Jets 15-2.

Chris Clegg
South Peace News

It was a good old-fashioned butt kicking at its very best. The High Prairie Regals, winners of only one game on the road in eight chances this season, walked into Valleyview and pasted the Jets 15-2 Jan. 6. The win enabled the Regals to maintain their slim hold on first place in the NPHL’s hotly-contested East Division with 15 points, one ahead of Peace River, two ahead of Falher and four ahead of Valleyview by week’s end. The Regals scored twice in the first four minutes and led 5-0 after one period. They increased the margin to 11-0 after two and breezed to victory. The Regals started strong with terrific puck movement and quick passing. The Jets, who did not skate during the Christmas break, showed their rust as they were completely dominated in every aspect of the game. About the only drama left in the game by the third period was to see if goaltender Cannon Cunningham would record his first shutout. It was not to be, however, as Tracy Stewart scored with 11:36 left. Frazier Caron added a second goal with 3:21 remaining. The Regals padded their stats. In addition to the 15 goals they added 25 assists. Tyler Shantz led the way with five goals and two assists while Davis Baroldi had three goals and two assists. T.J. Cunningham had one goal and six assists and Lance Gauchier had one goal and three assists. Trent Meyaard enjoyed by far his best day as a young Regal with two goals and three assists while Rocky Collins added four assists. Stewart Cunningham also chipped in with a pair and Legionnaire midget Cameron Rich added two assists. About the only thing that wasn’t perfect on this night was the power play. Stewart Cunningham’s power play marker – also the eventual game-winner - proved to be the only time the Regals clicked in five chances. They were perfect on the penalty kill, however, in thwarting the Jets on four chances. The Regals outshot the Jets 44-34. The Regals play twice at home this week. Tonight (Jan. 13) they host the Falher Pirates with the winner possibly taking over first place. If Falher wins and Peace River loses in overtime or a shootout in Valleyview, it will create a three-way logjam atop the East. The Fairview Kings come to town Jan. 17. They will pose a tough challenge for the Regals as they have brought in many players this season to compete in the tough West Division.

Copyright © 1999-2005 South Peace News. All Rights Reserved.
No part may be reproduced without written permission.

View our Privacy Statement.
Send website suggestions to the Webmaster