By Jeff D'Andrea

Ice Hawks back in the win column after five games, beat Westleys 5-2

Nov 16, 2011 | 11:10 PM

The fact the Prince Albert Ice Hawks stormed out of the gates wasn’t anything new, but the fact they kept up the pressure throughout the game was as they snapped their five-game losing skid Wednesday, beating the Saskatoon Westleys 5-2 at the Kinsmen.

The win was their first in the month of November, as their last win was Oct. 29 in a 5-2 decision over the West Central Rage.

Last Tuesday, the Ice Hawks accomplished the same feat but still lost 6-5 to the Saskatoon Royals. Not this time as the Ice Hawks continued to put the pressure on and not let the Westleys back into the game.

“We’ve let that lead slip away on us quite a few times this year so that’s always in the back of our minds,” said Ice Hawks Trevor Gunville. “We just kept reminding the guys, ‘it’s not over, we have to keep going here and not sit back on our heels, just keep doing what’s been working for us.’

“I think we just have to stay focused. We lost some close games in our losing streak there and we know we can play with every team, so it’s just a matter of playing a 60 minute effort and adjusting to certain things in practices.”

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The biggest difference between Wednesday’s game and against the Royals last week was the Ice Hawks willingness to win battles in their own zone and break up plays in front of the net. The penalty killing units were also very stingy and were a perfect 10-10 on the net.

“Defensively, we were more responsible and did what we had to do in our own end,” said Gunville. “We won some of the battles along the way and it made us more successful in getting the puck out.”

It didn’t hurt that Tyler Gordon was a brick wall in net for the Ice Hawks either as he made 42 saves in the game, including some big saves when he was needed. Gunville said that Gordon’s play gave confidence to the team to push forward and keep scoring.

“He played really well again tonight for us,” said Gunville. “He made some stops tonight that allowed us to take some risks when we shouldn’t, knowing that he was playing well and giving us confidence. It’s easier to play in front of a goalie when he’s playing really good for ya.”

Mitchell Corfmat lead the way for the Ice Hawks with two goals on the night and an assist, while Jody Blais and both Kubica’s, Leo and Kenny, also scored from the Ice Hawks.

Two important pieces returned to the Ice Hawks lineup as Eddie Gauthier and Brandon Juravinski, who were competing for the team lead in points before each were sent to the infirmary, were welcomed back to the lineup and really helped the Ice Hawks powerplay. Juravinski, who lead the Ice Hawks in points last year, had two assists while Gauthier had one helper.

“They’re very important for our team,” said Gunville. “They play on the power play and Juravinski kills penalties for us as well. He plays a good portion of the game for us and it’s almost an uplifting thing when he’s in the dressing room. Guys aren’t being put in positions they probably shouldn’t be in from being young and stuff, and he just brings a lot of leadership to the team.”

The Ice Hawks gave up the first goal 1:21 into the game but answered quickly to score the next five goals in the game, four in the first period alone.

The Ice Hawks will travel down to Regina to take on the Capitals on Saturday for their next game.

jdandrea@panow.com