The Athabasca Aces punished their archrivals from Slave Lake with an 8-2 pounding last Friday at the Athabasca Regional Multiplex.
Coach Curtis Creaser characterized the Aces’ style of play as gritty and physical. That muscularity saw the Aces turn the tables on a team that beat them 5-2 in October’s home opener.
More importantly, said Creaser, “The guys stuck together as a team,” playing a complete, 60-minute game against the Winterhawks.
Earlier this season, Creaser had expressed concern with the team flagging before the final buzzer; this time, he said, “No one was taking a shift off.”
“We played a better defensive game,” he added.
The sole chink in the Aces’ armor?
“We could have stayed out of the penalty box a bit more,” Creaser conceded.
Standout players included Spencer Albrecht and Brent Hill on the offensive side, and Mason Lyle on defence, Creaser said, stressing again that every player pulled his weight.
As for consistency, Sean Wrusch is among the league leaders this season in terms of both goals (tied for third with 12 goals) and points (third again with 18 points).
It’s too soon to say if the win will mark a turnaround for the Aces, who currently sit last in the North Division of the North Central Hockey League. This weekend, the boys in white will face off against division leaders the Devon Barons.
“They were a pretty big rival last season,” said Creaser, adding that this is the first time the two teams have met this season.
“It will be a big challenge to see how we match up.”
The Aces’ next home game is 8:45 p.m. on Jan. 10 against the Westlock Warriors.
