By Jeff D'Andrea

Young Icehawks deal with preseason glitches, lose 8-4 to Delisle

Sep 25, 2011 | 8:28 PM

The Prince Albert Icehawks got in penalty trouble Sunday before their game even got started, losing 8-4 against the Delisle Chiefs at the Kinsmen Arena.

After the national anthem was performed, it was announced that the Icehawks would start the game down two players for not leaving the ice before the buzzer sounded to end the pregame warm-up.

That’s a rule in the PJHL and others and with it still being in the preseason, not all of the rookies knew the rules.

Since it happened in the preseason, Icehawks head coach Trevor Gunville had a laugh about it after the game.

“Everybody has to be off and we got caught with two young guys that weren’t aware or didn’t know—it’s just a mental mistake,” said Gunville. “We started off the game with a 5-on-3 and it takes a lot to get going on that. That kinda set the tone for the first period.”

Trial proceedings

Man charged after violent assault at Prince Albert jail, cleared of any wrongdoing

11h ago

La Ronge police shooting

Court reviews video showing Terrence Daigneault opening fire on La Ronge RCMP officers

11h ago

Down, set, hut!

Local football players bring home gold from Germany

14h ago

The Icehawks gave up the first 12 shots of the game and didn’t get one of their own until the eight minute mark of the first period and were outshot 23-4 in the first period.

Despite the shot clock discrepancy, the Icehawks only trailed 3-2 after the first period thanks to some excellent goaltending from Jack Romaniuk and opportunistic scoring from Carson Kalyn and Eddie Gauthier.

The Icehawks tied the game at 4-4 with back-to-back goals in the second from Brett Bremner and Jody Blais and had an excellent second period according to Gunville, but gave up a goal with seven seconds left in the second to go down 5-4.

The Chiefs scored three goals in the third to end with an 8-4 win.

“It’s a good lesson for us,” said Gunville. “I think we’re going to be a young team again and it’s a good lesson to show what these guys have to offer us. It’s a good gauge of what these guys have to do in the league and what they have to do to be successful.”

To be successful, Gunville hopes the new crop of kids can have an impact, including rookie goaltender Tyler Gordon.

Gordon, a local product, appeared in one last season as an affiliate, will be on the team this season for his first full year in junior. Gordon played on the Prince Albert Midget AA Lite-Way Electric Thunder team last season in the Centre Four Hockey League, posting a 9-0-1 record with 3.00 GAA.

He’s impressed the coaching staff so far this preseason, including making 23 saves in just 30 minutes on Sunday.

“He’s a good fundamental goalie, he keeps himself square to the shooter,” said Gunville. “He plays with a lot of confidence and that’s what he needs as being a young kid.”

The Ice Hawks still have a few more decisions to make as they are at 24 players right now and will have to trim down the roster. Their last preseason game is Wednesday in Kerrobert against the West Central Rage.

jdandrea@panow.com