After a hard weekend of training camp the Yorkton Terriers opened up their 2012 preseason with a 6-3 win over the Waywayseecapo Wolverines of the MJHL Tuesday night at the FAA. With a solid roster of Yorkton born players for the first preseason game, including a line of brothers Jeremy and Dylan Johnson, the Terriers looked much sharper in their first preseason game than in the intersquad game.
With the added intensity of facing an opposing team, the Terriers countered a Wolverines goal early in the first period with two of their own including a Jeremy Johnson go ahead goal to end the first period.
From there the Terriers never looked back and ended up earning a much deserved 6-3 win, which should impress head coach Trent Cassan. The Wolverines provided a tough, physical challenge as both teams seemed eager to start the season with tough bodychecking being on display from the opening whistle.
The Wolverines looked like they would be able to challenge for a road win early with what was a lucky bounce of a goal after crashing the net hard and creating a turnover in front of the net that deflected in front of the goalmouth and in. However the Terriers answered back with quick passing and skating in the neutral zone leading to many odd man rushes and scoring chances that led to the Wolverines goalie having to make some spectacular saves to keep the game close in the first period. In the end the Terrier offensive attack was simply to much to handle and the Wolverines will have to adjust if they want to challenge the Terriers when they play in the final preseason game of the year in Way-Way on September 16.
The local talent was really on display as the aforementioned Jeremy Johnson goal was matched by brother Dylan Johnson who had a goal and an assist as well as Elias Giannoulis who added a goal of his own in the six Terrier goals on the evening. D. Johnson had another impressive outing in his bid to make the regular season roster as he was all over the ice on the wing, creating chances in front of the net and using his big body in the corners, showing what he can bring to the table in his first preseason appearance.
The Wolverines had local talent of their own as Colton Maclean looked to impress for the MJHL team.
The goalies for the preseason opener were Carson Bogdan and Shane Blomquist with Kale Thomson being among the many healthy scratches who should figure to be in the roster for the next preseason game as the Terriers head to Swan River for a road game against the Stampeders.
The next Terrier home preseason game is Sunday, September 9 at six p.m. as they host Swan River before having away and home games with Melville Monday/Tuesday then closing out their preseason schedule with a rematch with the Wolverines on September 16 on the road. The 2012/13 SJHL season will kick off with the Terriers hosting Weyburn on September 21 and Humboldt September 28 before going on a two game road trip.
