The Sylvan Lake Wranglers earned a big victory in Heritage Junior B Hockey League action over the Airdrie Thunder as they head into the holiday break.
It was a slow start for the Wranglers, with just one goal in the first period, but they cruised from there in a 7-2 victory.
“We were a little shaky at the start but then everybody started to get their legs under them and then we started playing well and it shows on the scoreboard,” said defenceman Tyler Arnold, who scored once and was named player of the game.
“In the offensive zone, our forwards played really well down low, support was always there and in our defensive zone we had it locked down,” he added.
Right winger Ethan Wyzykoski, who scored twice in the victory, said much of the win was due to the team supporting one another, along with a few good bounces.
“We happened to be a bit more lucky than usual.”
The Wranglers used a few different line combinations to get the job done, Wyzykoski added.
“The changes to the line gave us more confidence on the ice and some extra time out there to make the little plays and do some of the extra stuff.”
Austin Corsiatto also had a pair of goals, while Justin Gyori and Derek Wagner also added tallies in the win. Maddex Bignell picked up three assists, while Bret Gerrits and Tyson Tisdale both notched a pair of helpers.
The Dec. 17 game also featured a Teddy Bear Toss, where fans threw stuffed animals onto the ice to be donated to Ronald McDonald House Alberta. Corsiatto brought the bears to the ice with his 16th goal of the season at 9:49 of the first period.
“I have never seen that many teddy bears come out. My expectations were definitely blown out of the water for sure and it was awesome to see everybody out to come watch the game,” Arnold said.
The support from the community gives the team an extra boost during games, Wyzykoski said.
“It’s nice to have lots of fans here and see everyone in the stands it gives us that extra boost on the ice right when we are looking for some extra energy.”
The Wranglers, who lead the HJHL with a 20-2-2 record, won’t hit the ice again until Jan. 5, but Wyzykoski said they will stay sharp as much as they can.
“I’m definitely going to be staying in the gym trying to stay in shape and maybe will try to get out on the lake and skate with my teammates,” he said.
After the holiday break, the Wranglers will be return to the NexSource Centre on Friday, Jan. 5 at 8 p.m. where they will be taking on the Red Deer Vipers.