Mintos’ minute lapse costs them in 3-2 loss to Trojans

“We overskated a few pucks, we didn’t stop and come back in. We didn’t do a very good job boxing out in front of our net. They’re young kids, 15, 16, 17 and they’re going to make mistakes, but the important thing is that we learn from it.”

The critical mistakes came in that 55-second span, according to Leonard. On Ehrmantraut’s goal, the Mintos gave up possession in the neutral zone and didn’t show enough urgency to correct the error. On McDougall’s goal, they didn’t clear the crease in front of Mintos goaltender Derrick Hucul.

“The first one, we turned it over and three guys went for a skate in the middle of the ice to see what was going on instead of stopping and taking care of your issue that you caused—if we stop and look after our checks, it’s all okay,” said Leonard. “On the winning one, we practice this lots. Any pucks that go low to high, we got two shooting lanes and three box-outs. It takes hard work, guys have to block shots and three guys deep have to box guys out. That takes hard work too.”

Although the Trojans took full advantage of the Mintos’ errors, they also did well defensively and in goal with Justen Close. Close made 40 saves as the Trojans were outshot 42-33.

“Tonight we didn’t get the bounces—that’s how it goes. We probably should have tied it,” said Mintos captain Erik Gardiner, who had a glorious chance in front in the final two minutes, but sent it high.

Gardiner was named as the team’s skipper for his 16-year-old season after not making the Regina Pats out of training camp this year.

Although he admits he was frustrated to be reassigned by the Pats, Gardiner has settled back in with the Mintos in a go-to, leadership role.

“I think it’s a huge honour to be captain of such a great organization, one of the best in Canada,” said Gardiner. “I think I’ve finally settled in. It’s a difference, but I like it and I’ve adjusted well.”

Gardiner, who was the SMAAHL’s scoring leader among 15-year-olds a season ago, has a goal in four points through the team’s six games this year.

Scoring Summary

The only goal of the first period belonged to Riley Sawchuk to put the Mintos up 1-0. Sawchuk hopped off the bench to support a tired Brandt Bertoia at the end of his shift. Bertoia served up a pass on a silver platter to Sawchuk, who one-timed it into the net for his fourth goal in his sixth game.

The Trojans drew level early in the second period as Colby Brandt scored a pretty, spin-a-rama backhanded goal 2:30 into the second period. That’s Brandt’s fifth goal in the seven games.

The Trojans got into penalty trouble and found themselves on the wrong end of a 5-on-3 advantage. Mintos defenceman Jake Hobson made them pay, scoring his first goal of the year to put the Mintos up 2-1 heading into the third.

The Trojans then scored two quick goals 55 seconds apart, a rebound goal from Erik Ehrmantraut and a point shot from Josh McDougall to go up 3-2.

The Mintos got 30 saves from goaltender Derrick Hucul, who took his first loss of the year. The Mintos were without their second leading scorer, P.A. product Braden Isbister as he was serving his first of a two-game suspension. Isbister earned the ban in Sunday’s game, getting into a fight in the last 10 minutes with Generals defenceman Austin King-Cunningham, who received the same punishment.

The Mintos still have two games to play this weekend at the Art Hauser Centre, Saturday, 7 p.m. against the Notre Dame Argos and Sunday, 1:30 p.m. against the Regina Pat Canadians.

jdandrea@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @jeff_dandrea

by Jeff D'Andrea

Mintos’ minute lapse costs them in 3-2 loss to Trojans

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