Huskies unleash offensive onslaught, score 18 goals in two wins

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Thanks to a weekend offensive onslaught and some timely goaltending, the Fort St. John Huskies’ win streak now stands at three games.

The Pups took both back-to-back games on their North West Junior Hockey League (NWJHL) schedule on October 18th and 19th.

Scoring a grand total of 18 goals, Fort St. John won games versus the Fairview Flyers and North Peace Navigators by lopsided scores of 8-2 and 10-1, respectively. 

According to head coach Todd Alexander, the surge is an “encouraging” sign that the team has recovered from its 8-1 loss to NWJHL defending champion La Crete on October 13th.

“With a 16-man turnover, there are a lot of new faces we’re teaching,” said Alexander. “It’s been a learning curve for the coaching staff, for the players trying to get everyone on the same page.”

“I think [the games] showed where we’re supposed to be at and how we’re supposed to play. The players are starting to buy in and have a better understanding of what their assignments are on the ice.”

Forward Grayden Alexander, who had three assists during Friday evening’s victory, upped his scoring pace in the Huskies’ Saturday win with a hat-trick. His six points on the weekend put him at 20 points, fourth best in the NWJHL.

Additional offensive muscle came from Xavier Burgher, who was named the game’s first star on Friday and responded with a hat-trick on Saturday. 

“We’ve always liked his style of game,” the head coach said of Burgher, who played five games with the Huskies as an assigned player in 2022-23. “He’s got good puck protection. He’s got a good set of hands and nose for the net.”

Further support came from Ashton Underhill, defenceman Jordan LaGreca, and Tanner McCracken, who had four points.

Saturday night’s blowout win was buoyed by stellar goaltending from Ethan Fechter. He notched his third win of the year, stopping 22 shots. His goals-against average is now at 1.88.

The 20-year-old has spent time between the pipes in several leagues, most recently with Kenora, Ontario, in the Superior International Junior Hockey League. 

Fort St. John will be back in action on Friday, October 25th, against the Grande Prairie Wheat Kings at the North Peace Arena before welcoming Alberta’s North Peace Navigators on Saturday in a rematch at the North Peace Arena.

Puck drop for both games is scheduled for 8:00 p.m.  More information is available on the Huskies Facebook page and website.