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Warriors dull Stars

The Westlock Bantam Warriors held off a strong effort from the visiting Smoky Lake Stars, proving they intend to make some noise as the season progresses.
Warriors’ goalie Tyson Pidsadowski tracks down the puck during the club’s 3-2 Sunday afternoon win over the Smoky Lake Stars.
Warriors’ goalie Tyson Pidsadowski tracks down the puck during the club’s 3-2 Sunday afternoon win over the Smoky Lake Stars.

The Westlock Bantam Warriors held off a strong effort from the visiting Smoky Lake Stars, proving they intend to make some noise as the season progresses.

Currently sitting in eighth place in the 12-team league after Sunday’s 3-2 win over the fifth-place Stars, the team also knocked off the league’s fourth place team two weeks ago, said coach Barry Brost.

“It was a big win,” he said. “We needed it to rebound. It was a good effort.”

After a scoreless first period, the Stars snuck the puck past Warriors keeper Tyson Pidsadowski to take a 1-0 lead.

The lead wouldn’t survive the period, however, as the Warriors stormed back with two goals of their own to take a 2-1 lead after 40 minutes.

But this was another lead that was not safe, as the Stars returned the favour to tie the game 2-2 early in the third.

However, it became clear the Warriors would not be denied, as Jonathan Truckey scored to make it 3-2, a lead that would not surrendered the rest of the way.

Chipping in were Avery Brost with two assists and Madison Vekved with a goal and an assist of his own.

“The boys showed hard work from beginning to end,” said coach Brost.

“We were able to finish them off in the third.”

The win was marred by a severe hit from behind by a Smoky Lake player on Austin Watamaniuk with close to a minute left to play. The offending player received an automatic match penalty, and will be suspended for at least one game, said Brost.

Watamaniuk remained on the ice for some time before skating off under his own power.

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