Prince Albert Minto forward Ashton Tait flies down the ice for the Mintos' first game of the season. (Jeff D'Andrea/paNOW Staff)

By Jeff D’Andrea

Action Ashton

P.A.’s Tait flying high after big Minto win and WHL Cup selection

Sep 25, 2021 | 4:43 PM

Prince Albert’s Ashton Tait only needed a period to prove why he was selected to Team Saskatchewan for the upcoming U16 WHL Cup in Red Deer, Oct. 20-24.

In just the first period alone of Saturday’s 7-2 win over the Swift Current Legionnaires, Tait scored the first two goals of the Prince Albert Minto regular season, then set up the eventual hat-trick-scoring Karson Blanchette for the Mintos’ third goal.

“We haven’t played games in like a year now, so it’s just really good to be back out there. That’s just great,” Tait said outside the Mintos’ dressing room at the Art Hauser Centre. “[WHL Cup selection] is awesome. It’s an honour and I’m really excited for it.”

In his first year at the U15 AA level with the Prince Albert Pirates in the 2019-20 season, Tait had 22 goals and 45 points — second in both categories to then-second year player Tanner Howe, who is now playing WHL hockey with the Regina Pats. Due to the COVID-shortened season last year, Tait played in one game with the Pirates but still managed to score a pair of goals. Already in his first U18 AAA game, Tait has a pair of goals and a helper.

After a rollercoaster 3-2 opening frame, Blanchette then scored his second goal of the game to start the second period. Matthew Cudmore then tipped home a Caden Dunn shot to extend the Mintos’ lead to 5-2 after the second period.

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Mintos’ forward Ryan Lepitzki scored a glorious goal to rub salt into the Legionnaires’ wounds, turning their man into a pretzel before his sharp-angle shot found the top corner midway through the third period. Blanchette finished his hat trick, tipping home another Dunn point shot late in the third.

“He’s amazing,” Tait said of Blanchette. “He puts pucks in good places, and he knows how to finish as well.”

After letting in two goals early in the game, Mintos goaltender Jayden Kraus was able to shut the door for the final 50 minutes. He finished with 24 saves on 26 shots for his first U18 AAA victory.

The Mintos will play their second game of the season on Sunday, 1:30 p.m. against the Regina Pat Canadians.

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Jeff.dandrea@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @jeff_paNOW