The Power Dodge Estevan Bruins took their losing slump and put it firmly in the rearview mirror with a dominating 7-1 win over the La Ronge Ice Wolves Saturday night at Affinity Place.
The Bruins lost 2-1 Wednesday to the same Ice Wolves but came out with a much more determined effort from top to bottom and snapped their four game losing slump in the process.
“The boys are pumped obviously and I think we’ve got the ball rolling now,” said Tristyn DeRoose, who scored a goal and three assists in his second game with the Bruins after being released by the Western Hockey League’s Moose Jaw Warriors. “Everyone’s confident going into the rest of the season.”
DeRoose scored his goal on the power play providing a screen in front when a shot came from the blueline and deflected off him into the net. Even with TJ Irey back from injury Saturday night, DeRoose remains in the top six and was getting significant power play time.
“I’m getting back to a different role and it’s different and harder but tonight (I was) feeling a lot more comfortable. Things are coming to me a lot easier and the game’s slowing down,” he said.
Eddie Gallagher, coming back from injury, scored his first career Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League goal at 7:27 of the second period.
“(I was) just working hard in front of the net and got a nice rebound,” said Gallagher.
The mood in the dressing room was a lot happier than during their slump, which saw them lose two in a row on home ice.
“There’s a lot of high hopes but we’ve got to be prepared for tomorrow’s game, too,” said Gallagher. “We can’t be too high.”
The other goals in the game were scored by Johnny Witzke - with two - Tanner Manz, Turner Ripplinger and George Cathers. Jake Anthony stopped 17 of 18 shots in the game from the Ice Wolves.
The Bruins’ next action is Sunday at 6 p.m. against the Flin Flon Bombers at Affinity Place.
