The expansion Shellbrook Silvertips won their first game in the SPHL Friday night, beating the Perdue Pirates 7-3. Jason McComas led the way for the Silvertips, recording a hat trick and an assist. Kyle Brataschuk, Brennan Canaday, Nathanial Martin and Devon Thorpe all scored in Shellbrook's inaugural game.
Shellbrook was shell-shocked the next night when they travelled to Cut Knife to take on the Colts. Cut Knife jumped all over the young team, defeating the Silvertips 7-2. Riley Albert, Ryan Constant and Ashton Hewson each had two goals in the win. Troy Watt added another goal for Cut Knife. Shellbrook received goals from Thorpe and Martin.
In other SPHL action, last season's runner-up Spiritwood Timberwolves defended home ice Saturday night, winning 6-1 over the Glaslyn North Stars. Both Bryce Gatzke and Raymon Harris had two goals and an assist for the Timberwolves. Tyler Gamble and Chance Henderson also scored for Spiritwood. Brett Night scored Glaslyn's lone goal in a losing effort.
The SPHL season continues this weekend with seven games on the schedule. On Friday night, Perdue host the Radisson Wheat Kings at 8 p.m., the Hafford Mustangs travel to Spiritwood for an 8 p.m. faceoff, and Shellbrook welcomes the Maymont Settlers for an 8:30 p.m. puck drop.
Saturday night sees the defending champion Battleford Beaver Blues on the road against Shellbrook, Spiritwood hosts Perdue, and Maymont visits Cut Knife to take on the Colts. All three games start at 8 p.m.
The only Sunday game has the Meota Combines host the Hafford Mustangs. Puck drop is 8 p.m. at the North Battleford Civic Centre.
