A strong third period by the Estevan Voltz peewee lacrosse team almost masked a slow start against the Moose Jaw Mustangs at Affinity Place on Sunday, but the early deficit proved too big of a challenge to overcome.
Entering the final frame down 4-1 to the Mustangs (3-2), the Voltz picked up the pace by moving their feet, being first on loose balls and employing a stronger passing game. Estevan’s Boden Dukart brought the score to 4-2 a little under 10 minutes into the third on a funny bounce in front of Mustangs goalie Tyson Bruce that popped over his stick. Chase Dennis then brought his team to within one with 39 seconds remaining on a shot from along the goal line that found the back of the net short side, but the Mustangs held the fort after that.
“If we would have played like we did in the third, we would have won that game for sure,” said Boden, 12.
Mustangs captain Braxton MacAngus opened the scoring 6:42 into the first period on a shot from the top of the crease that went five-hole on Voltz goaltender Cole Blondeau. Layne Johnson made it 2-0 in the final minute of the first by running past three defenders to the front of the net where he fired the ball low glove side.
The Voltz’ Kaden Chrest got that one back 3:14 into the second period with a shot from in close that went stick side on the Mustangs netminder only to have Moose Jaw’s Ethan Johnson and Colton Ebbett reply quickly afterwards.
Dallas Hall, head coach of the Voltz, said they never really got going until the third period and appeared unable to clear the zone or set anything up offensively early on. He said the kids did catch their wind in the final frame, but a few untimely penalties in the middle of the period sealed their fate.
“We’ll get the kids running and get a few more skills picked up in the next couple weeks,” said Hall, about what the team will be focusing on moving into the final month of the Queen City Minor Box Lacrosse League (QCMBL) regular season. The Voltz currently hold a 4-3 record in the QCMBL, with five games remaining before the playoffs begin in late June.
“It’s been really good,” said Kaden, 11, about their season up to this point. “Last year we never won a game and this year we’ve won a lot.”
