Huskies hope to continue success before All-Star Game

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The Fort St. John Huskies find themselves within familiar territory: undefeated thus far in the last full month of the STRIKE GROUP North West Junior Hockey League (NWJHL) 2024-25 regular season.

For the second consecutive month, the Pups have won their first three games and ride a four-game winning streak.

Overall, the team has won eight of its last nine games dating back to November.

Head coach Todd Alexander says steady performances have enabled that consistency, including the play of defenceman Jordan LaGreca.

LaGreca had a goal and an assist in January 10th’s 6-1 victory over Dawson Creek. According to Alexander, the third-year NWJHL player has been “reliable” on both ends of the ice.

“He’s been a fantastic leader for us,” said Alexander about LaGreca, who will play in Sunday’s NWJHL All-Star game. “He’s stepped into that role this season and done really well.”

“[Whether it be] practices or games, he never seems to waver off too far from his line.”

With that in mind, the theme of January 12th’s game was resiliency. 

Facing defending NWJHL champion La Crete, early power-play opportunities were capitalized on by the visitors, who had beaten Fort St. John 8-1 at the North Peace Arena back in October.

Midway through the second, with the score 4-1, the Huskies scored six unanswered goals and won 7-4. 

“It was a great come from behind,” said Alexander. “We obviously have to do a better job on the penalty kill in order to not have that type of a lead given to them.”

“As far as a five-on-five play was going, I felt that we were dominating that side. Once we were able to dig ourselves out of that hole, I think that the confidence in the overall club really started to shine through.”

Fort St. John will hope to continue their winning ways in two games this week before the all-star game.

First up this week will be a home contest on January 17th versus the Beaverlodge Blades. Beaverlodge took a 3-1 contest at the North Peace Arena in November.

The following evening, the Pups head to Fairview to take on the Flyers.  Fort St. John has defeated Fairview in all five contests this year.

Game time for both games is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. 

For further information about the Huskies, visit the club’s website, Instagram, and Facebook pages.