Huskies secure two wins to start 2025-26 season

The Fort St. John Huskies found out the best defence is usually a good offence during the opening weekend of the Strike Group North West Junior Hockey League (NWJHL) season.

Missing four regulars from their defensive core, the Pups scored early and often in a pair of wins over divisional foes the North Peace Navigators and Fairview Flyers, outscoring their opposition by a combined score of 16-8.

On Friday, September 12th, the Huskies scored four goals in the first period and never looked back, outpacing North Peace by a score of 9-4 at the Baytex Energy Centre in Peace River, Alberta. 

Forward Xavier Burgher put his way into the early NWJHL regular-season goal lead with a hat trick, while Jonny Timmons – who was celebrating his 20th birthday – had a goal and an assist in the victory.

Other goal scorers included MacCoy Willms, who had two goals and two assists; Ryan Ungstad; Zander Underhill; and Taryn Hoskyn, who had a goal and an assist.

The next night in Fairview at the Fairview Arena, Fort St. John made an early 2-1 close game turn into a 6-2 game after two periods en route to a 7-4 win. 

It was the eighth consecutive regular season win by the Huskies over the Flyers dating back to last season.

Burgher and Timmons each netted a pair, and summertime signee Kooper Volk had his first goal with the Pups on a second-period goal assisted by fellow newcomer Cortt Callison. Other goal scorers included Fin Reed and Ungstad.

The Huskies will next be in action on Friday, September 19th versus the Beaverlodge Blades at the Beaverlodge Arena. 

Puck drop is scheduled for 8 p.m. More details about the Huskies are available on the team’s Facebook page, Instagram page and website.