The Bow Valley Midget AA Timberwolves are atop the North Conference standings with an 8-2 record, after a 7-4 victory over the West Central Tigers on Oct. 27.
Bow Valley fell behind early in the game after West Central scored three goals early in the first period, before the resilient T-Wolves clawed back to tie the game at three. Forward Nick Dobson scored with 21 seconds remaining in the period to start the comeback.
Cade Chudleigh and Dean Olenyk also tallied before West Central went up 4-3 breaking Bow Valley’s short-lived tie. It was all Timberwolves in the third, scoring four goals to finish with a dominating 7-4 victory.
Olenyk, who finished with a hat trick and two assists, led the way offensively for the home side. Chudleigh had a goal and two assists, while three other T-Wolves had a multipoint game.
Olenyk has had a great start to the season, registering nine goals and seven helpers for 16 points in nine games. He is currently third in the league in points. Timberwolves head coach Tyson Soloski says his star forward’s play has been superb.
“Dean (Olenyk) has been solid every game for us, he’s got a role to play like everyone on the team and he’s doing a great job of playing in that role,” Soloski said.
“Scoring and contributing offensively is something that he is very good at, and he helps us as a team in that role. He works hard every time he is on the ice and has continued to improve … it’s great to see, and also great to see that he is being recognized by the (Airdrie CFR Chemicals Midget) AAA Bisons, by playing a few games for them too.”
Goaltender Antoine Leclerc had a solid night in goal, turning away 31 of the 35 shots he faced, keeping his team in the game when the Tigers had an early three goal lead.
Soloski says his team needs to get off to a better start in order to be successful.
“I think it shows that we are a resilient group but we need to have better starts. I think we had 10 shots in the first two periods,” Soloski said.
“Showing up right from puck drop is something we need to get better at. But coming back does show that we don’t quit and will keep working hard no matter the score, which is really great to see.”
Soloski has also been emphasizing playing a full 60-minute game, something Bow Valley struggled to do against West Central.
“We try to focus on that during practice. If we execute in practice for the full hour and 15 minutes, it will hopefully translate into a game,” Soloski said.
“We are slowly getting better at it … something we also have to stress is having a good pregame warm up, being focused and ready to play. It’s a process and hopefully we just keep getting better and better.”
Bow Valley will hit the ice again on Nov. 5 at the Cochrane Arena to face the Central Alberta Selects.
