The Eagle Drilling Estevan Bruins went 1-1 over a pair of home games this past weekend.
The Melfort Mustangs paid a visit to the Civic Auditorium on Friday night, and escaped with a 4-3 victory on the legs of two power play goals, and one shorthanded marker.
The loss was Estevan's first at home this season, and it came largely due to their lack of success on the power play. The Bruins were absolutely horrid with the man-advantage against Melfort, going 0 for 11.
"I wasn't really impressed with our effort level," said Bruins coach Karry Biette. "We could have played better. I though our penalty kill was terrible, which is something we've been working on."
The Bruins got goals from Troy Hunter, Ryan Ostertag and Tyler Spencer, while Shea Cooper was in goal for the loss. He made 41 saves and was named the third star of the night.
Estevan used their frustration from Friday night's defeat to down the Battlefords North Stars 6-4 on Saturday. The Bruins scored three goals in under three minutes to start the hockey game, chasing Stars' starting goalie Kyle Birch in the process.
The goaltending change sparked the visiting Stars, as they answered back with two goals of their own to make it 3-2.
Each team scored once more in the first, and Estevan held a 4-3 lead after one period of play. After the clubs traded goals in the second, Estevan added another in the third for the 6-4 win.
Joel Danyluk got the start in goal for Estevan and played well, making several key saves to preserve his team's lead throughout the night.
"I felt pretty confident," said Danyluk. "I hadn't played in three games, so it was good to get back in there and get a win."
When the game was over, the shots on the scoreboard read 54-36 in favour of Battlefords, but Biette thought those numbers may have been higher than the actual totals. Either way he was impressed with the play of his netminder.
"I thought he settled 'er down in the third, and was the 20-year-old goalie we needed," said Biette. "A few rebounds in the first that popped out to places they shouldn't have, but after that he shut the door, and was the guy we wanted him to be."
Justin Waskewitch and Cole Olson each had two goals for Estevan, while Matt Dochylo and Ryan Andersen had the others.
Biette said it was great to see both Waskewitch and Olson get their first goals of the year.
"After seeing the step in 'Wasky' after the first one, I would have bet a thousand bucks that he would have scored another one," Biette said. "A little weight lifted off his shoulders, and a little weight lifted off (Olson's) shoulders. I think that'll put those guys back into gear."
Like it did on Friday against Melfort, Estevan's power play struggled against Battlefords, going 0 for 5. It didn't matter as much though, as the Bruins dominated the five-on-five play.
The Bruins were also in action at home Tuesday night against the Humboldt Broncos, who are currently the No. 1 rated team in the CJAHL rankings. Game results were not available at press time.
