The Bantam UCT Yorkton Terriers opened up their 2012 playoff run over the weekend on a good note, beating the Regina Oilers, 4-1 to open up their best-of-three series.
"We outplayed them the majority of the game," offers head coach Grant Ottenbreit.
"It seemed closer then it (actually) was."
We played well enough (to win the game)."
The Yorkton club got a pair of goals from Jake Holinaty.
According to coach Ottenbreit, Holinaty is definitely one of the smallest hockey players in the South Saskatchewan Bantam AA Hockey League.
Ottenbreit added that Holinaty does not play like it.
The pint-sized scorer nearly got his clock cleaned on the Terriers' opening goal when he tucked one through the five-hole on Regina goaltender Curtis Meger at 4:22 of the middle frame. He was set up by a much bigger Kylan Shea.
"He's one of the smallest guys in the SBAAHL," Ottenbreit added of Holinaty.
"But he goes to the net habitually."
Ottenbreit noted that going to the net is not the easiest job on the ice for anyone, and every now and then, the kid "pays the price", referring to the physicality of the beating taken in high traffic areas such as the goal crease.
Ottenbreit added that he wishes he had a whole team of guys that did that regularly, and "follow his lead", he added of Holinaty.
Kholton Shewchuk would score to give Yorkton the lead for good when he connected on a pass from Chance Patterson, putting the Terriers up 2-1. Reid Massier had opened the scoring for Regina at 17:37 of the second period.
Shewchuk and Shea would draw one assist each on the Holinaty markers and Tanner Mak put the game out of reach with 1:02 remaining in the game. It was the only Terrier goal to see two assists drawn on the play.
One to Steven Ste. Marie and another to Caleb Sutter.
Goaltender Rylan Palchewich allowed one goal for the win.
Coach Ottenbreit doesn't believe he will make any changes for the critical second game of the series, scheduled for last night in Regina.
Coming in late overnight on Monday from the Co-operators Rink in Regina, the Oilers fought back to even the series at a game apiece, winning 2-1 in overtime.
The two teams would then get together for a series-deciding game three, scheduled for Tuesday evening back at the Kinsmen Arena.
Results of that match were unavailable at press time.
