UPDATE: Tonight’s showdown against the Pat Canadians has been postponed due to uncooperative weather conditions. Fans will need to wait a little longer to catch the action, as both teams work to reschedule the game for a later date.
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This past weekend was another mixed result for the Bears with a split performance in two games. Head coach Ryan Pilon shared his thoughts on the team’s efforts, standout performances, and their preparation for an important week ahead.
“The first game, we really didn’t like our effort,” Pilon explained. “We got worked for most of that game, and we just weren’t sharp. But we had a great response in the second game, where we played a solid 60 minutes, and that’s what allowed us to have success.”
Pilon praised the team’s work ethic in the second game, where they dominated in possession and generated more scoring opportunities, ultimately leading to a well-earned victory.
Notable performances came from several players, with a couple of first-time goal-scorers making their mark. “Jack Robinson scored his first goal in our league,” said Pilon. “He came in a bit late after Jack Taylor’s injury, so it was good to see him find his confidence. The guys were really excited for him.”
Pilon also highlighted the contributions of veterans like Boston Schmidt, DJ Brass, and Hayden Mohan. “Those guys were really good for us and sparked our offence. They’re the ones we need to step up and carry us offensively.”
Looking ahead, Pilon’s squad will face a tough challenge this week, starting with a midweek home game against the Regina Pats, the current top team in the league. “We’ve played Regina already this season, and it was an inconsistent game for us. We showed really well at times but had lapses. We’re looking for more consistency,” Pilon said. “If we can be the hardest-working team, we like our chances.”
The weekend will bring a highly anticipated series against the Saskatoon Blazers, a team the Bears faced in last season’s finals. The Blazers eventually went on to win the league, but the Bears are eager for redemption. “We played a really good game against them earlier this season, so we’re looking forward to this weekend’s series,” Pilon remarked.
With the team already preparing on the ice ahead of their big week, Pilon is optimistic about their upcoming challenges. “We’ve been on the ice yesterday and today, really focusing on what’s coming up. It’s a big week for our team, and we’re looking forward to it.”
In addition to the exciting games, the Bears will also be celebrating Parent and Billet Appreciation Weekend. “It’s going to be a fun weekend for the team with lots of families in town,” said Pilon.
As the Bears prepare for a crucial stretch, Pilon remains focused on maintaining the team’s strong work ethic and consistency. Fans can look forward to an exciting week ahead as the Bears face off against top-tier competition and continue to develop as a team. They'll be hosting the Regina Pats Canadians tonight at Affinity Place, with puck drop slated for 8:00 pm. Then, the Saskatoon Blazers will be in Estevan this weekend for a doubleheader homestand.