THURSDAY

The only thing that was almost as impressive as Tyler Pugh was last night was the debut of Alex Grill Donovan. A-G-D picked up what turned out to be a game winning goal in his first game as a member of the Bonnyville Pontiacs. He was also impressive playing a large roll in killing penalties as typically you don't see guys who are not used to the systems playing on specialty teams but he did very well.

The story of the game the was Pugh who stopped all 41 shots he faced and more than a few were of the spectacular variety. Take out Pugh's numbers with the Thunder and he has a GAA of 2.05 and a 93.73 save percentage. Those are among the best in the league.

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Something needs to be done about the nets around the league. They came off way too easily last night at the RJ but that's not the only building that happens in. Sherwood Park and Grande Prairie are the first that come to mind but I'm sure there are others. The last thing you want is to see a player get injured because they ran into a crossbar that didn't give but there has to be a happier medium.

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It's been a while since I've seen Chad Mercier get into it verbally with another coach. A game in G.P. last year comes to mind but I haven't seen a coach get into it with the crowd the way Ross Kenny, coach of the crusaders, did last night. I'm of the opinion that fans pay good moneyto be able to yell at coaches and players and by all means if they want to give it back then go for it even though you are probably just going to encourage more of it if you respond. I only hope all parties keep it clean.

I'm not naive enough to believe all that was being said last night was clean so if you are going to yell there is no need to curse or be crude. Beyond that ... Heckle away.

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Missed saying it yesterday but a Happy Feast of St. Francis Xavier Day to the Catholics out there. December 3rd marks the day St. Francis Xavier University students who are graduating receive their 'x-rings'. There are a few of us 'X' grads here in Bonnyville and some of us got together for a drink after the game last night. Cheers to all and congrats to the new grads back in Nova Scotia.

We'll have an injury update a little later.