TURNER RIPPLINGER’S HAT TRICK AND 5-POINT EFFORT LEAD THE BRUINS’ TO VICTORY.
After only two home games, the Power Dodge Estevan Bruins have been burning out the goal light at Affinity Place after another big win on Tuesday night.
The Bruins’ put up five goals in the 3rd period alone en route to a 9-2 stomping over the Yorkton Terriers, remaining a perfect 3-0 on the season.
Just like in Saturday’s home-opening win over Melville, the Bruins’ scored early and often. New Bruin forward Turner Ripplinger hasn’t had any issues creating chemistry with linemates TJ Irey and Michael McChesney. Ripplinger scored two goals in just over a minute (9:46, 10:52) to get Estevan out to a quick 2-0 lead.
Rookie defenceman Jack Michell, who scored a goal during last year’s playoff run, scored his first regular season SJHL goal at the 12:20 mark to make it 3-0 for the home squad, chasing Yorkton starting goaltender Ryan Ouellette from the net. Yorkton’s Chance Petruic responded 30 seconds later to make it 3-1, which would be the score heading into the intermission.
The Bruins’ did not repeat their defensive breakdown that occurred in the 2nd period of Saturday’s win on Tuesday, as both teams played tight defence in the middle frame before the Bruins’ restored their three-goal lead.
TJ Irey’s hot start to the season continued with his third goal in as many games to make it 4-1 Estevan at the 14:57 mark. The Terriers would get that one back on the powerplay with only 15 seconds left in the period to make it 4-2 after 40 minutes.
But that’s as close as it would get with the black-and-gold erupting for five goals in the final period.
Rookie forward Isaiah Thomas potted his first SJHL goal just 2:18 into the 3rd period to make it 5-2. Just 41 seconds later, McChesney scored his third goal in three games to make it 6-2.
Fellow Dickinson, North Dakota product Jerzy Martin would get his first goal of the season at the 6:56 mark to extend the lead to 7-2. Then the reigning SJHL Defenceman of the Week got in on the action as Johnny Witzke scored shorthanded for his third goal of the season to make it 8-2.
And just to cap it off and send the fans home extra happy, Ripplinger sniped his third goal of the game for the hat trick and to close out the scoring in a 9-2 victory for the Bruins.
Rookie goaltender Kadin Kilpatrick made his first appearance and first start in the game, stopping 21 of 23 shots for his first SJHL victory. Yorkton’s Ryan Ouellette gets the loss after allowing three goals on just six shots. Ben Laidlaw came on in relief for the rest of the game, stopping 30 of 36 Bruins’ shots.
Estevan’s powerplay continues to click, going 2 for 6 on the night while Yorkton went 1 for 6 on the man advantage, and gave up a goal to the Bruins while Estevan was shorthanded.
The Bruins’ next home game in Estevan is a few weeks away, when they host the Humboldt Broncos at Affinity Place on Saturday, October 6th at 7:30pm.
Next up is the annual SJHL Showcase in Warman where Estevan will play the Kindersley Klippers at 7:00pm on Monday, September 24 and then battle the Broncos at 1:00pm on Tuesday, September 25th.
BRUINS SCORING SUMMARY
Turner Ripplinger (3G, 2A)
TJ Irey (1G, 3A)
Michael McChesney (1G, 2A)
Isaiah Thomas (1G, 1A)
Johnny Witzke (1G, 1A)
Jack Michell (1G, 1A)
Jayden Davis (2A)
Jerzy Martin (1G)
Aigne McGeady-Bruce (1A)
Kade McMillen (1A)
Tyson Manz (1A)
Turner Ripplinger’s Third Goal Of The Night Led To Bruins’ Fans Tossing Their Hats Onto The Ice.
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