Hockey fans are abuzz in Wilkie at the moment.
Not only is the community among the 10 finalists for this year’s Kraft Hockeyville, but the Wilkie Outlaws have punched their ticket to the provincial Senior A final.
“When we had our practice Tuesday night, that was the major topic of conversation among the guys,” Outlaws defenceman Bruce Yockey said.
“With the Hockeyville process and how well the team has been doing, it’s a pretty exciting time for Wilkie.”
Garrett Cameron scored the game-winning goal on the power play with a little over two minutes to go Saturday night, as the Outlaws picked up a dramatic 5-4 road win over the Kindersley Red Lions to complete a two-game sweep in their best-of-three semifinal series.
The Outlaws opened up the series with a 7-4 victory in Wilkie on Friday, March 3.
“It was a do-or-die game for them on Saturday and we knew they would be amped up for it at home,” Yockey said.
“We’ve had a knack for some timely goals over the last couple of years, and we were able to get that power play goal just after they tied it up with a shorthanded goal. Everyone on the team has the mentality to come through in those tight playoff battles.”
With the win, the Outlaws will now go up against the Bethune Bulldogs in the best-of-three championship series, with the opening contest taking place in Bethune Saturday at 8 p.m.
“They have a pretty stacked lineup, that’s for sure,” Yockey said. “They have a lot of guys with Junior A, CIS and WHL experience, so it’ll be a pretty tough test for us.”
The Outlaws will host the second game of the series at on Friday, March 24.
A third and deciding game, if needed, would be held in Wilkie on Sunday, March 26.
In addition to their playoff success, the Outlaws also have a chance to win the Saskatchewan West Hockey League championship as they are battling the Macklin Mohawks in a best-of-five series.
The Outlaws opened up that battle with a 4-3 win at home over the Mohawks last Wednesday night.
Derek Keller was the hero for the hosts in that game, as he scored on the power play with 2:08 left on the clock in regulation.
“I thought we started a little slow, but Macklin played well and they took it to us early with their speed,” Keller said.
“We were fortunate to get that power play that late in the game and the play was something Rory (Gregorie) and I had talked about for the last little bit. He set the puck up on a tee for me to get the goal.”
Dustin Glacklin had a two-point night for the Outlaws, who also had goals from Rick Cey and Cameron.
Alexander Neufeld had a goal and an assist in the loss for the Mohawks, with their other goals coming off of the sticks of Kyle Stang and Sheldon Reschny.
Jared Herle made 34 saves to earn the win for the Outlaws, while Stephen Wolff turned aside 35 shots in a losing effort for the Mohawks.
The remaining dates and times for the best-of-five SWHL final series have yet to be determined.
