After losing by a score of 10-4 in their season opener to the Shellbrook Silvertips on Nov. 19, the Meota Combines were hoping for a much better showing in their first game of the year at the Civic Centre Saturday.
Although they dropped to 0-2 in Saskatchewan Prairie Hockey League play after a 5-4 loss to the Edam Three Stars, there were a number of positives that the team hopes to build off of in the coming weeks.
“That Shellbrook game was pretty bad, so to be within a goal was a lot better for us,” Combines forward Brody Tatchell said. “We actually played some defence tonight and we were skating with Edam right until the end.
“I thought we put forth a really good effort, but we just didn’t get the bounces to go our way.”
Another major improvement for the Combines was the overall team chemistry, as the returning players like Tatchell are getting used to some new teammates.
“We had a number of players who moved away, so we brought some new guys that have played senior hockey before, but for other teams,” Tatchell said.
“Early on, it’s going to be a process of getting to know everybody again. Not only are we all trying to get our legs underneath us after the off-season, but the new players are getting accustomed to our playing style. It’s a lengthy process, but it will all work out.”
Tatchell and Michael Pylypow led the way for the Combines on offence with a goal and an assist each, while Scott Maunula and Derek Welford also found the back of the net.
Tatchell had the prettiest goal of the game during the third period, as he split a pair of Three Stars defenders and put a backhanded shot by goaltender Quinton Gauthier.
“I was just trying to make a play by skating up the ice,” Tatchell said. “All of a sudden, the seas just parted.
“I reacted pretty quickly to get a good path on goal and I got a little bit lucky with that goal.”
The Three Stars broke the tie a couple of minutes later, as Owen LaClare made a great pass to Kade Mosimann, who fired the puck through traffic and past Combines goaltender Mike Silvester.
“Owen and Kade both played at a high level of hockey last year, as Owen was a part of the Estevan Bruins in the SJHL and Kade was playing midget in Prince Albert,” Three Stars forward Mitch Wall said.
“They really add an extra dynamic to our team. We have a pretty good offence at the moment, but to add a couple of skilled young guy really helps us out.”
Wall had a pair of goals in the win for the Three Stars, who have a 3-0 record and are tied for first place in the league with the Silvertips.
Keegan Bourelle and Damon Schaefer both had two assists for the visitors, with their other goals coming from Tristan Deronoski and Geordy Gabruck.
The Combines will be back at home for a pair of games this weekend, as they’ll welcome the Glaslyn North Stars to the Civic Centre Friday before facing the Spiritwood Timberwolves Saturday.
Both games will start at 7:30 p.m.
Meanwhile, the Battleford Beaver Blues suffered their first loss of the season in Shellbrook Saturday, as they lost a 7-5 affair to the Silvertips.
Brent Salzl led the way for the Beaver Blues with a goal and three assists.
Jon Hosegood potted a pair of goals for the visitors, while Cody Danberg had a goal and two assists.
Keegan Sparrow also scored in the loss.
Jody Blais paced the Silvertips on offence with three goals and two assists.
Brett Mason also had a strong night as he had two goals and a pair of helpers.
The other Silvertips goals came from Devon Dicus and Nick Martin.
The Beaver Blues, who now have a 2-1 record, will pay a visit to the Cut Knife Colts Tuesday.
Their next home game at the Battleford Arena is on Friday when they’ll host the Hafford Hawks at 8 p.m.
