UNITY ‑ It wasn’t just the Gord Bamford tour buses that had the town talking in Unity April 9. Following the sold-out arena that witnessed the West Central Wheat Kings win a decisive victory over the Regina Vics in game one of the best of three series to determine a SAAHL provincial championship, the team was hoping to accomplish their goal of capturing the title April 9 in Regina.
However, the Regina Vics used their home-ice advantage and won game two in a close match by a score of 3-2. This forces a third and deciding game back in Unity April 12.
More than 75 fans were in the stands to support the Wheat Kings in the Queen city.
The Vics opened scoring in the first period with a single. Another goal in the second resulted in a 2-0 lead for the Vics, however Landyn Nash, assisted by Leighton Partington and Kaden Veller, cut the lead by one, ending the second period at 2-1 for Regina.
Wheat Kings fans were ignited in the third when Colbey Frocklage, assisted by Calvin Feader, knocked in a goal to tie the game at the 16-minute mark. Regina then plugged in another goal halfway through the third and the Kings were unable to answer back, sending them back to Unity for game three. Goaltender Blake Sittler faced 38 shots on net.
Following game one, Unity players Hunter Sperle and Colbey Frocklage said that they felt the large and loud crowd certainly was a factor in fuelling their determination to win. The Wheat Kings are hoping hometown fans will repeat the support enabling the team to capture the title at home.
This will be the last event in Unity’s arena for the season and the West Central Wheat Kings are hoping the same flood of fans will help send this year’s season off in celebratory style.
