The Bonnyville Pontiacs are heading to the North Division Final for the second time in franchise history.
The Yaks defeated the Whitecourt Wolverines Friday night 4 – 2 and took home the series in just five games. The North Division Final will start this Friday, April 7th at Spruce Grove’s Grant Fuhr Arena.
Matching the Pontiacs with the Spruce Grove Saints in their last clash in the regular season saw the Pontaics defeat the Saints 3 – 2 on January 25th. Associate General Manager Neil Langridge says it is an exciting time to be a Pontiac fan.
“The key now is to not take a step back. We have to have that killer instinct. We know that they don’t want their season to end and we are trying to do that for them tonight.”
Langridge says the Pontiacs have a good team this year and it is super exciting.
“It’s been 8 years since we made it to the North Final and the second time in 31 years and it makes me super proud of our group and our staff. For everyone to come together and to have the success we have and we are looking to make history.”
Langridge highlights the team’s ability to play their game as a strength.Â
“It shows in game 5 in Whitecourt. We go into a hostile barn and I feel like we controlled that game from start to finish and we eliminated them. It is great to see the team pick up steam at this time of year which is something we wanted to achieve.”
The last time the Pontiacs were in the North Division Final the Spruce Grove Saints were there to shut down the Yaks dreams in the 2014-15 season.
“We have waited 8 long years to get revenge and to seek our first ever north division banner. It has been a great rivalry and the boys are excited to get on the ice.”
The North Final begins on Friday, April 7 in Spruce Grove with game 2 on Saturday, April 8. The Yaks will then host games 3 and 4 on Tuesday, April 11, and Wednesday, April 12.