Timberjaks' Matthew Cudmore lines up for the draw against the Saskatoon Quakers on Sept 28, 2023. (Logan Lehmann/paNOW Staff)

By Logan Lehmann

On the rise

Success slowly coming for Timberjaks as team enters back half of season

Dec 21, 2023 | 12:00 PM

Following a slow start to the season for the Prairie Junior Hockey League’s (PJHL) newest franchise, the Prince Albert Timberjaks are slowly beginning to find their footing and see some success.

The Timberjaks are 9-16-0 (W-L-OTL) with one game left before the New Year where head coach Moe Lemire shared his thoughts on the season thus far.

“We obviously had a slow start but since then, we’ve made improvements,” he explained. “We’re capable of playing with all the teams in the league, we just have to be a little more consistent in putting in a full 60 minutes and that’s something we have to improve on. We’re getting better in that area so hopefully we continue to improve.”

Prince Albert began its inaugural season with a rude welcome from the Saskatoon Quakers which led to a 1-9 start to the franchise in their first 10 games. Since then, the Timberjaks have turned things around with an 8-7 record and are coming off a win in their last contest, which was a 4-3 overtime win over the Saskatoon Royals on Wednesday.

One of the things about being a new team is the players getting along and building chemistry, something that Lemire said he’s been seeing more and more as the season rolls on.

Court proceedings

Crown stays sexual assault charge against Waskesiu business owner

3h ago

Elevate Your Self-Care Game With These Smart Lifestyle Moves

Nov 15, 2024

Riderville

Shades of 2007

Nov 15, 2024

“The chemistry is always getting better and there has definitely been some guys stepping up as leaders on and off the ice and it’s been affecting the other guys in a positive way. Those guys leading the way are setting an example and the other guys are following, doing the little things right so I’m happy with that.”

So far this season, P.A. has gotten to play every team in the league and have came out on top of some pretty big contests, including a 2-1 triumph over the defending champion Pilot Butte Storm in November and a narrow 7-6 win over the league best Quakers back on Dec. 1.

Lemire said he’s pleased to see the success slowly come together.

“It’s definitely encouraging for the guys to see that their hard work and commitment to one another is paying off. We’ll continue that into the New Year and see what happens.”

The Timberjaks wrap up the 2023 portion of their season on Saturday night in Delisle for a date with the Chiefs. Puck drop is slated for 7:30 p.m.

—

loganc.lehmann@pattisonmedia.com