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Predators back in the playoff mix with two big ‘W’s playoff

Jun 2, 2013 | 5:39 PM

The Prince Albert Predators entered the weekend tied last in the Prairie Gold Lacrosse League standings, but after two big wins, they are right back in the thick of things.

The Predators won both of their home games at the Kinsmen this weekend, beating the Yorkton Bulldogs 16-3 on Sunday and the Estevan Big Dogs 24-9 on Saturday.

The two wins put the Predators record at 2-3 and back in the hunt of hosting what would be the first PGLL playoff game in Prince Albert. The PGLL reformatted the postseason, allowing the top two teams from each division, the North and the South, to host a playoff game.

“These two wins are so important, it brings us back in a situation where we can bring a home (playoff) game here in Prince Albert, that’s the goal right now,” said Predators head coach Darryl Frenette. “If it doesn’t happen, it’s not the end of the world but we’d sure love to host the game if we could.”

The Predators outscored their opposition 40-12 in the two games this weekend.

Predators 16 Bulldogs 3

The Predators took early control of the game and took a 5-0 lead into the second period. Predators goaltender Lucas Wells started the game in the first, did not surrender a goal and had two assists. He gave way to rookie goaltender Brandon Ledoux in the final 40 minutes.

Rookie Brody Holizki had a hat trick in the game, while Jagg Carlson, Bennett Hopkins each had two goals and two assists. Tyler Tilford had a goal and three assists.

Predators 24 Big Dogs 9

Entering Saturday’s game, the Predators scored 26 goals total in their three previous games and were just two goals shy of equalling that against the Big Dogs.

Four Predators registered a hat trick or better in Saturday’s game, as Tyler Tilford at four goals and an assist, while Bennett Hopkins, Rhett Carlson, Blair MacFarlane and Lucas Johnstone all had hat tricks.

The Predators next home game isn’t until June 22nd, their last home game of the season against the Regina Rifles.

The Preds will play the Regina Riot June 16 and the Saskatoon Smash June 20, both on the road for their next PGLL action.

jdandrea@panow.com

On Twitter: @jeff_dandrea