Rookie defencemen Tysen Rachkewich and Travis Pfeil are learning on the job this season with the Carrot River Outback Thunder.
Both have earned contributing roles on the Prairie Junior Hockey League team. The two youngsters are also learning what they can from veteran junior hockey blue liners such as Layne Cay, Devin Gerwing,Ethan Rheaume and Tyrell Wenig, head coach Trevor Logan said.
“Both of these guys are good quality, character young men that fit in well in our dressing room, which is a big part of the equation.”
Last week the Outback Thunder earned three of a possible four points on the road. On Saturday, they rallied to force overtime but fell in a shootout to the Delisle Chiefs, 6-5. Sunday they beat the host Saskatoon Royals, 7-6, in overtime. In spite of the successful weekend, Logan said there is still work to do.
“We need to find the desperation and drive we play with late in games earlier,” he said in regards to the way his team rallied on the weekend.
The 4-1-3 Outback Thunder were slated to host the Prince Albert Titans on Wednesday in Kinistino and then the Regina Capitals on Saturday and the Chiefs on Sunday in Carrot River.
Rachkewich and Pfeil have been enjoying their time at the Junior B level. The best part?
“The team we have and being with all the guys makes it very enjoyable,” said Rachkewich, the son of David and Ivy.
A Rose Valley product, the 18-year-old Rachkewich played last season with the NorthEast midget AA team. The 17-year-old Pfeil, who is from Naicam, played midget AA for Humboldt last season. The PJHL has been different from midget.
“It has been all around more demanding of a league in all aspects,” said Pfeil, the son of Lori and Dwight Eberle.
The 5-foot-11, 190-pound Rachkewich had one assist heading into this week.
“Tysen is more of a steady hand, defensive defenceman who I think could be a big part of this team for the next couple years,” said Logan of the player who is taking an industrial mechanics pre-employment course at Saskatchewan Polytechnic.
Pfeil is in high school in Carrot River. He had one point.
“Travis is only 17, but at 6-foot-2 and 225 [pounds] he brings a big presence with a big shot but also skates quite well,” Logan said.
Chiefs 6, Outback Thunder 5 SO
Trailing 5-2 at the 8:05 mark in the third period, the Outback Thunder rallied to force overtime and, eventually, a shootout, in Delisle on Oct. 28 to earn a point in the standings. Drayden Ukrainetz, Gerwing and Kyle Njaa all scored for Carrot River in the final five minutes of regulation. In the shootout, the Outback Thunder were unable to score and Delisle was able to put one in.
“Saturday the boys showed character to be able to come back from three down with five minutes left but at the same time we seem to put ourselves in those positions,” Logan said.
Delisle led 3-1 after the first period. Njaa had Carrot River’s marker. In the second period, Austin Linnen, who led the Outback Thunder with 12 points through Sunday, made the score 3-2. Kolton Holmen finished with 42 saves for Carrot River. Njaa and Linnen each had three points on the night.
Chiefs goalie Justin Gautheir made 41 saves. Scoring for Delisle were Graham Gove (two), Anthony Radke,Dylan Marien and Mike DuRussel.
Outback Thunder 7, Royals 6 OT
In just his second game with Carrot River this season, Tobin Lake’s Connor Tuffs scored three goals – including the overtime winner – to lead the Outback Thunder past the Royals, 7-6, on Oct. 29.
“He’s a kid who plays the game the right way, but also has some finish and solid intelligence for the game,” Logan said of the Tobin Lake product. “Beyond that, he’s a solid character that fits in well in the room.”
After the first period ended in a 2-2 tie, Carrot River took a 5-3 lead into the third period. The Royals scored and the Outback Thunder answered, but the hosts were able to get two more goals to force overtime. Justin Cay scored twice while Colton Halvorson and Linnen had one goal each for Carrot River. Tuffs and Cay each had four points. Goalie Ben Gilbertson had 32 saves for the Outback Thunder.
“Late like that you get some momentum and the other team gets on their heels,” Logan said. “It was nice to see the guys dig down and find a way to come back, but, as I said earlier, we need to find ways to not make ourselves have to hang on or fight back every night.”
Jory Litt-Jukes stopped 30 of the 37 shots Carrot River fired at him. Nathan Murray had a hat trick for Saskatoon. Damien Tough, Brett Weiman and Keyghan Benitez also had goals for the Royals.
