Huskies' early success ends with 8-1 defeat

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Captain Grayden Alexander and the Fort St. John Huskies fell on Sunday afternoon to NWJHL defending champions La Crete (Street Legal Photography, Facebook)

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The Fort St. John Huskies’ early-season winning streak in the North West Junior Hockey League (NWJHL) has ended at six games after a weekend loss to the defending league champions.

The Pups began the Thanksgiving holiday weekend with a game on Friday evening, October 11th, welcoming the Grande Prairie Wheat Kings to the North Peace Arena.

Carver Lequiere opened the scoring for the Huskies, notching his first of the year at the 12-minute mark of the first period.

Fort St. John doubled their lead on a shorthanded goal from forward Connor Cozens just seven seconds into the second.

Adam Bourgeois, Xavier Burgher, and Colby Busche assisted on the goals. Busche had a hand in both scores.

Forward Denon Bamber replied for the Wheat Kings on a power-play goal midway through the middle frame, but that was as close as they would get, as the Huskies prevailed by a score of 2-1.

Sunday afternoon, October 13th, was a matinee affair as Fort St. John hosted the champion La Crete Lumber Barons.

Two costly first-period goals took the wind out of the Huskies’ sails, and a five-goal second period spelled doom as the La Crete triumphed in dominant fashion.

Cozens scored his second goal of the weekend late in the third, but the Lumber Barons prevailed by a score of 8-1.

Despite the loss, the Huskies continue to lead the NWJHL East/West Division with 12 points, four ahead of the North Peace Navigators.

The Huskies will try to begin a new streak starting on Wednesday evening, October 16th, heading to Dawson Creek to take on the Kodiaks at the Ovintiv Events Centre.

Puck drop for the game is scheduled for 8:00 p.m.

Visit the NWJHL’s website for standings, schedule, and more information.