By Jeff D'Andrea

Bears win streak snapped by Wildcats

Nov 23, 2014 | 3:15 PM

The Prince Albert A&W Bears had their five game winning streak snapped Sunday by the Swift Current Wildcats—losing 5-2 at the Art Hauser Centre.

Both teams split the two-game set in Prince Albert this weekend, as the Bears won Saturday’s game 3-2.

The loss ends a five game winning streak for the Bears, dating back to Halloween. It also moves the Bears back to fourth place with 23 points, and vaults the Wildcats back to third with 22.

“We knew playing Swift Current, they would be a tough team to win both (games) against, let alone one,” said Bears head coach Jeff Willoughby. “But after the first game, we thought we could repeat that performance.

“I don’t think the score 5-2 was indicative of the game. We were (down) 3-2 with seven minutes left and felt we were right in the game, a bounce away to tie it. We were pleased with the three points (from one regulation win) this weekend, for sure.”

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The Bears were without sniper Tylor Lindsay for both weekend games, who led the Bears in scoring last year and have been without captain Morgan Willoughby all season. Coach Willoughby expects both to return for their next action Dec. 6-7 against the Melville Prairie Fire on the road, but their absences were crucial this weekend—especially on the power play.

“(Lindsay’s) ability on the power play was missing,” said Willoughby. “I thought the girls that stepped in her place did a fine job as well, but when you’re missing a big offensive threat like that, it’s going to pinch you sometimes.”

Who scored?

Wildcats captain Brooklyn Haubrich pitched in on all five Wildcats goals, scoring two and assisting on the other three. She also put the Wildcats up 5-2 with an empty net goal. Wildcats rookie Taylor Kirwan had two goals in the game, the first two in her Midget AAA career. Defender Hannah Riemer had the other goal for the visitors.

Bears got their goals from Marlee Clarkson on the power play in the first period and Kaytlyn Chickowski in the third to make it a 3-2 game. Chickowski has six goals  this season to lead the Bears in that department.

Wildcats goaltender Jasey Book made 32 saves on 34 shots for the victory, while Bears goalie Jessica Vance, who picked up the win on Saturday, was saddled with the loss after making 27 saves on 31 shots.

The Bears next home game is Dec. 10 against the Battlefords Sharks. Before then, they’ll travel to Melville to take on the Prairie Fire Dec. 6-7.

jdandrea@panow.com

On Twitter: @jeff_dandrea