CARROT RIVER — The Carrot River Outback Thunder are looking to start a new winning streak.
Last Friday night the Junior B team dropped the Southern Rebels, 7-1, on the road to extend its winning streak to six games. The streak was important to the young, rookie-laden squad, which had lost its first nine games.
“Getting on that streak we had was great,” Outback Thunder assistant captain and Carrot River product David Wiens said. “We started playing better every game. All the guys were in a good mood coming to the rink. It was super nice just to turn that page from last year.”
The streak ended on Saturday when the Carrot River team lost 4-3 in Pilot Butte to the Triple Seven Chrysler Storm. The Outback Thunder concluded its road trip playing its third game in as many days – a 3-1 loss to the Extreme Hockey Regina Capitals.
The Outback Thunder have already matched the six victories they earned in 40 games last season. As of Sunday, the team sported a 6-10-1 record.
During the winning streak, general manager Brennan Hall praised his team for playing a 60-minute game and strong team play.
Goaltender Steven Soyko has helped the Outback Thunder elevate their play. Through seven games with the team, the Prince Albert product had a 5-2 record with a shutout, a 2.00 goals against average, and a .947 save percentage.
Hometown rookie David Weins leads the Outback Thunder with nine goals. Wiens and Tyrell Nicklen each had 15 points to pace the team, while Tanner Ductawich had 14.
Marleau Joins
Tisdale product Luc Marleau joined the Outback Thunder last week. The 18-year-old was conditionally released to the Outback Thunder by the Melfort Mustangs of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League.
"We are ecstatic to have Luc on board as he brings a wealth of hockey knowledge and skill and will be able to start contributing immediately," Hall said.
Marleau scored two goals and recorded three points in two games last week for the Outback Thunder. His SJHL rights are retained by the Mustangs. The 5-foot-10, 195-pound rookie scored three goals and recorded five points in 16 games with Melfort this season
The Thunder Last Week
Friday, Nov. 15 in Assiniboia
Carrot River 7, Southern 1
Outback Thunder Scorers: David Wiens (2), Kaden Suski, Luc Marleau, Ben Couvier, Kayden Graham, Trey Hardie
Rebels Scorer: Cayden Price
Goalies: Steven Soyko, Carrot River, 28 saves on 29 shots; Triston Cherwoniak, Southern, 27 on 34
Notes: The Outback Thunder led 1-0 in the first period. After the Rebels tied the game in the second period, Carrot River scored six straight goals. Thirteen Carrot River players recorded at least a point. Marleau had a goal and an assist in his Junior B debut.
Saturday, Nov. 16 in Pilot Butte
Triple Seven Chrysler 4, Carrot River 2
Outback Thunder Scorers: Liam Hallett, Luc Marleau
Storm Scorers: Taylor Halbgewachs (3), Brayden Duke
Goalies: Steven Soyko, Carrot River, 29 saves on 33 shots; Reece Hodson, Triple Seven Chrysler, 27 on 29
Notes: After a 1-1 first period, the Storm took a 3-1 lead in the second. However, Marleau got one goal back for the Outback Thunder in that period to make it 3-2. However, Carrot River could not tie things up and the Storm added one more in the third period. The Outback Thunder killed off nine of the Storm’s 11 powerplays.
Sunday, Nov. 17 in Regina
Extreme Hockey Regina 3, Carrot River 1
Outback Thunder Scorer: Kaden Suski
Capitals Scorers: Taylor Kreutzer, Skyler Sangster, Carsen Robertson
Goalies: Justice Haack, Carrot River, 41 saves on 44 shots; Ruben Cooper, Triple Seven Chrysler, 14 on 15
Notes: Neither team scored in the opening period. The teams were knotted at 1-1 at the second intermission. The hosts were able to score twice in the third to secure the win.
This Week
The Carrot River Outback Thunder (6-10-1) open a three-game homestand this weekend. The Outback Thunder host the Saskatoon Royals (9-8-0) on Friday and the Southern Rebels (4-6-2) on Saturday.
