Leader comes out flying, Eatonia Huskies take round one
Leader comes out flying in White Mud action, but Eatonia Huskies take round one
By Jordan Parker
The Leader Flyers got off to a rollicking start in White Mud Hockey League action.
They were riding high following a 7-6 win over the formidable Shaunavon Badgers last weekend, in a year where they’re returning to action in the league.
“It’s pretty exciting to get a win and get the fans excited. We definitely exceeded expectations in that first game,” said player Riley Feiffer.
“No one was expecting that. To see a team that’s never played together get a win was just truly exceptional.”
Feiffer was surprised and delighted to see his team push against a very skilled Shaunavon club.
“I think we’re not made of one or two super-skilled guys. We’re a team of hard workers, and hopefully we can carry this energy and come up with more wins,” he said.
One big thing is that the scoring and points were well-distributed throughout the team. There was a standout in Tanner Tiel – who had a goal and three assists in the game – but things were ultimately well-rounded.
Eleven players on the Flyers knotted points, which led to a huge output over the whole roster.
“The scoring was just well divvied up. It wasn’t just two guys going and scoring the whole time. Some didn’t get points, but that’s just how hockey goes,” he said.
“It was a team game, and we were really happy to just see so much of this spread out.”
One of the best parts of the Flyers game was their special teams, both up a man or down one. They went 5/7 on the powerplay, and killed three of four penalties.
“We just had a really great percentage. It was a great start, even though we had some penalty trouble ourselves,” he said. “Special teams can be so important to winning games, and I was happy to see our work on the powerplay.”
However, following six goals against in their first game, the Flyers will be working on some defensive aspects of the game.
“We want to get better there. We did win 7-6, but that also means we were scored on six times. We don’t want that every game,” he said.
“The team will continue to build chemistry. Many of us have played together in the past – but not as linemates.”
Though he had six goals against, the team was happy with goalie Tyler Marcotte, who was given Player Of The Game honours after game one.
“He just stood on his head the entire game, and was a huge part of the win. We just need to help him and stay out of the box more,” he said.
The Flyers are in the midst of a back-to-back against the newcomer Eatonia Huskies. The first game saw a 5-4 win, in favour of the visiting Huskies.
“Eatonia has guys that can score. We don’t want to put them on the powerplay. It’s actually exciting to be against them,” he said. “A lot of Eatonia and Leader guys played together in minors, so it’s a cool pairing against each other.”
Eatonia’s Head Coach Ryan Adams was ready for the healthy competition that comes with playing Leader as well.
“It’ll really be neat. There’s a rivalry from way back, and we both used to be in the Sask West league. We’re close towns with a bitter rivalry,” he said.
“Playing back-to-back will be a lot of fun, but the best part is all about people in the stands. The community is excited, and we’re all local guys. Seeing the rink loud is incredible.”
He doesn’t know much about Leader – but knows his team should be alert and ready.
“They’re a young team. Just like this whole league, we’re new to it. We just need to play our game and truly go from there,” he said.
For Leader’s Feiffer, it was the crowd also that really propelled the team against the Shaunavon Badgers.
“It was a huge turnout, and it was nuts in there. It was so awesome, and we loved all the energy that we were given,” he said. “We’re so thankful for volunteers. We love the effort that made this happen. We’re proud and can’t wait to see where the season goes.”
The Leader Flyers and Eatonia Huskies next play in Eatonia on Friday, November 25, 2022, at 8:30 p.m.