After a weekend of rivalry, the Yorkton Terriers came out with one loss and one overtime win in a series against the Melville Millionaires in Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League play.
On Friday, the Terriers traveled down highway ten to Melville, where they faced the Millionaires in a hard fought game. The Terriers came out strong in the first period, with one quick goal coming from Matthew Perkins. The score remained 1-0 for the rest of the period.
The second period saw a goal from either team. Brandon Sookro scored for the Terriers.
The third is when the Millionaires came to life, and scored two goals pushing the score to 3-2, where it would end. Millionaires win on their home ice. The shot clock read 35-28 in favour of the Terriers.
The following night the Terriers and the Millionaires would face off in Yorkton at the Farrell Agencies Arena.
The first period saw the Terriers come out on top with one goal, scored by Regan Seiferling.
The second period saw two goals from Melville, leaving the score 2-1 at the second intermission
Tension ran high on the ice during the third period, as the rivalry between the two neighboring towns was evident. Goals went back and forth. Terriers’ new left wing Jared Legien scored to tie the game 2-2, which was reciprocated within seconds by the Millionaires, pushing them ahead again. But McKenzie Welke scored another for the Terriers, tying the game 3-3. The Terriers would see another overtime period.
Jared Legien started off the O.T. period strong, coming close to a goal right off the top. Millionaires’ goalie Evan Piotnik blocked the shot. But very shortly after, Legien had another chance and connected with the back of the net. Terriers win 4-3.
After the game, Legien discussed the differences between the two games against the Millionaires.
“I think last night we came out hard, but then kind of slowed up a bit,” he said. “Tonight we got better as the game went on.”
Legien signed with the Terriers over the past week. He said those who watch the games can expect to see a lot of offensive play from him.
“I like to put the puck in the net and distribute it, help my team put points up on the board,” he said.
Terriers’ head coach Casey O’Brien said he’s happy with his team’s performance in the two-game series against Melville.
“Tonight we weren’t as good as last night, but we found a way to win,” he said after Saturday’s home game. “Our penalty kill was very, very good tonight. Overall I was happy. We found a way to come back. Maturity levels are starting to come around.”
O’Brien said they’re working on being cleaner on their breakouts, and keeping play simple.
The Terriers’ next game will be on Friday, Oct. 14 at the Farrell Agencies Arena, when they face off against the Estevan Bruins at 7:30 p.m.
