Photo Caption: Border Kings' goatlender BJ Boxma looks through the screen of Paradise Hill Hawks forward Dustin Gillanders during action on Sunday. – Robb Fenton Photo
By Robb Fenton
It’s only one game, but the Lloydminster Border Kings look like a force to be reckoned with.
The Kings dominated the Paradise Hill Hawks in their opening game of the Saskatchewan Provincial Series, doubling them in shots and beating them 4-1 to grab the series lead.
“I thought we came out with a pretty good effort. We didn’t really know what to expect from this team, we heard a lot of names, but we didn’t know what was going to show up. They (Paradise Hill) iced a good team, a good squad, but we played patient hockey, didn’t get running around too much and for the most part, it was a good Game 1 of the series,” Border Kings captain Corey Dallyn said.
The Kings looked like a team who have been together for a long time and their cycle game was a big part of the victory and will be a big part of success in the rest of the series.
“I think that’s huge and as the series goes on we have to cycle the puck and wear their D down. We have some continuity on our lines and it gives us a chance to back them off a bit and take the puck to the net,” Dallyn said.
While the Kings had the edge, the Hawks aren’t panicking at all and they know as the series progresses, they will get better in every aspect.
“We knew they were going to be energetic, they’re a quick team and come at you hard. We talked about matching their energy level and for the most part we did that. We competed tonight, but we made far too many mistakes,” Hawks coach Jim Marshall said. “Part of that is this is only our third game together. We were prone to mistakes and it was the mistakes in our own end that hurt us.”
The Kings grabbed a 2-1 lead after the opening 20 minutes with Jordy Dougan and Derek Gervais scoring for the Border Kings, and Shaun Norrie responding for the Hawks.
A quick start and sustained pressure was the game plan going in and the Kings executed it to perfection.
“I think the first game, we just wanted to use our speed and get on the forecheck and play our kind of game. We got pucks deep, got pucks to the net,” Border Kings forward Dustan Heintz said.
Heintz notched the Gordie Howe hat-trick, assisting on brother Davin’s goal in the second, scoring in the third and dropping the gloves late in the game.
BJ Boxma made 17 saves for the win, while Haggis was tagged with the loss despite making 32 saves.
With one game in the books, both teams know how important Game 2 is.
“We can play with this team,” Marshall said. “It’s not do or die, but Game 2 is obviously imperative, it’s tough to get yourself out of a jam. It’s not a must win, but it’s really important.”
“They’re going to get better as the series goes on. Once they get to know each other they’re going to get better, so it is important we try to finish them off as soon as we can,” Heintz said.
Game 2 is set for Friday night in Paradise Hill at 8:30 p.m.