The Bombers are heading into a weekend set with arch-rivals La Ronge this weekend. Here's what to expect:
First off, expect high scores. In both games between the two teams so far this year, the Bombers scored six goals or more, winning 7-4 and 6-4 back in early October. Both teams play each other 10 times this season, with most of those games happening in the new year - both sides will meet each other again after the holiday break, with another home-and-home set Dec. 31 and Jan. 1.
The Ice Wolves sit tied for third in the Sherwood division and eighth in the league with Nipawin, but have given up the most goals of any SJHL team by a distant margin. Through 32 games so far, the Wolves have given up 139 goals - between four and 4.5 a game.
By contrast, the Bombers have given up 85 goals in 30 games this season, less than three per game, and have scored 118 times. La Ronge also sports the league's worst penalty kill at 73.7 per cent - the Bombers' is 79 per cent.
Expect some spirited play too, including a scrap or two - the rivals saw a small line brawl break out during a preseason match-up earlier this year and fights between La Ronge and Flin Flon players are common during the Hanson Lake Road rivalry.
La Ronge is coming into this weekend on a four-game winning streak and have won seven of their last 10 games.
The Ice Wolves have also seen success when starting goalie Xavier Cannon has been healthy. Despite missing the start of the season, the 2001-born Kamloops native has found ways to win in the Ice Wolves' crease, going 10-5-1 so far this season. Cannon, despite playing in barely half of La Ronge's total games, has been in net for all but three of their wins this season.
Jacob Vockler quietly put together the Bombers’ longest point streak of the season until Dec. 7, putting up at least one point in 10 consecutive games until getting blanked against Weyburn Dec. 10. Not to be kept on the sidelines long, Vockler scored a goal against the Wings the next night. Over that streak, Vockler put up 11 points, including four goals. The American rookie has 19 points in 24 games.
Offensively, defenceman Xavier Lapointe led the way for the Bombers last week, racking up four points, including three assists. Three other Bombers - Duperreault, Martens and Tremblay - had a goal and two assists, while Reece Richmond and Rylan Thiessen had three assists each.
