The Westlock Pee Wee Warriors scored a 2-2 tie after going toe-to-toe with one of the league’s best teams.
On Saturday, Oct. 31 the Warriors hosted the Calahoo/Rivičre Qui Barre Knights at the Rotary Spirit Centre in what was the club’s third regular season game.
The draw improved the Warriors record to 2-0-1 and maintained their grip on top spot in Tier 2 of the 1660 Pee Wee Hockey League.
“It was full of intensity. A really hard and fast-paced game,” said coach Nelson Jespersen.
“Both teams played extremely well, a lot of good chances both ways.”
After a scoreless first the visitors broke the stalemate early in the second on the powerplay, but moments later Jaxon Snow knotted up the score at 1-1.
With two minutes left on the clock in the period, Kadin Chamzuk gave the Warriors a 2-1 lead. The team didn’t get a chance to bring the lead to the locker room after the Knights tied the game at 2-2 with less than 30 seconds left.
The teams combined for 24 penalty minutes in the second period alone, racking up six minors each.
“There were a lot of powerplay and penalty-kill opportunities,” Jespersen said.
In the third neither team could find the back of the net, although the Warriors had a powerplay in the final two minutes, but were unable to capitalize.
Jespersen said the game was a good measuring stick against a formidable opponent.
“We view these guys as our biggest challenge throughout the year. They haven’t lost yet and have beaten teams handily so far,” he said.
“It’s good to skate with them and give them a good run. Ultimately, you want to win every game, but to be in a hockey game like that, you can’t ask for anything more.”
In the end, Jespersen said the was happy with the effort from his squad.
“Our battle level was real high,” he said. “Every kid worked hard for the whole game, essentially. There were very few shifts we took off.”
