By Gary Moskalyk
Two teams who haven’t met since December 2024 square off in the SIJHL finals. Separated by four points in the regular season, both with 36 wins, Dryden had a power play edge, Kam River was better on the penalty kill. Kellan Mooney of Dryden and Ashton Sadauskas of Kam River both had great years in net and continue to excel in the post season.
The teams opened the season with a split against each other back in mid-September in Dryden and will finish off the year doing battle in late April or early May on the SIJHL’s biggest stage.
Kam River vs. Dryden Season series: Kam River 3-4-0. Dryden 4-3-0.
Most recent: Dec 20 DID 6 KRW 2 at DID.
Other six games: Sep 14 KRW 5 DID 2 at KRW. Sep 15 DID 4 KRW 1 at KRW. Nov 9 DID 7 KRW 4 at DID. Nov 10 KRW 6 DID 2 at DID. Nov 22 KRW 6 DID 1. Nov 23 DID 3 KRW 0 at DID.
DID goals for/goals against: 25-24. KRW goals for/goals against 24-25.
Kam River playoff snapshot: 8W-0L
GF 35 GA 13 Differential +22. PIM 126. Streak 8-0.
PP% 33.3. PK% 86.8. SHGA 0. SHGF 0.
Top six offence:
Kaden Goodwin, F, GP 8, 6 G, 4 A, 10 Pts, 0 PIM. Jett Mintenko, F, GP 8, 4 G, 6 A, 10 Pts, 2 PIM. Daxton Lang, F, GP 8, 2 G, 8 A, 10 Pts, 12 PIM. Amar Powar, F, GP 8, 3 G, 6 A, 9 Pts, 2 PIM. Jacob Lamoureux, F, GP 8, 5 G, 3 A, 8 Pts, 8 PIM. Carter Poddubny, F, GP 8, 2 G, 6 A, 8 Pts, 8 PIM.
Played all eight playoff games:
Sam Sargent, Max Wright, Edwin Liang, Easton Debray, Caleb Labelle, Ashton Sadauskas, Zach Baumann
Goaltending:
Ashton Sadauskas, GP 8, 8-0-0, GAA 1.58, SV% .937, 495 Min.
Sam Keene, Has Not Played.
Head coach Larry Wintoneak and SIJHL-leading scorer and team captain Daxton Lang shared their thoughts prior to game one.
The Fighting Walleye are healthy going into the finals. A couple of “bumps and bruises” according to coach Wintoneak–nothing that will keep anyone out of the line-up.
“It’s one game a time, that’s the way I look at it,” said Wintoneak. “It’s going to be a chess match, no doubt about it. The work’s been done already. You put the work in. We, as coaches, are going to sit back and enjoy. We’re going to make sure we make adjustments as necessary. The culture’s been developed by those players in that room. I think they understand the importance of these games to get to a National Championship. No motivation is needed.
“They understand who they are playing against. We respect Dryden for sure, but we don’t fear them,” he continued. “I have total respect for what they’ve done. They stayed on top the whole way. I have a lot of respect for them but I don’t fear them.
“Both teams have improved since we last played them. It’s kind of perfect in a way. It’ll be great hockey for sure.”
Lang reflected back on last year’s quick four game exit to the SIJHL champion Sioux Lookout Bombers.
“We’re good. Really positive,” said the White City, SK native. “The guys that were here last year, they have a sour taste in their mouth. This year we want to do it right. (The veterans) have done a good job of leading the younger guys, helped to get on the same mindset. Everyone’s bought in here.”
The Walleye have spent the entire season building towards this moment.
“Just sticking to what we have in this room. We have a very strong culture in here. The drive and determination is here,” said Lang, in reference to the intangibles. “I know our boys won’t give up no matter what happens. We’re a hard working team. We’re had great system play all year. If we can outwork the opposition that’ll be the biggest factor.”
I asked Lang if he felt any extra pressure as team captain.
“It’s a privilege to have pressure,” he said. “I’ve had to work hard throughout the season to be able to be in this spot. There’s a little bit more on my shoulders. Just handling it day to day just like it’s any other game. If we stick with our systems, stick with our mindset, we’ll be fine.”
Wintoneak share his Dryden scouting report.
“Dryden’s a bigger team for sure. They play a different style than we do. They activate their defence,” he said. “They can score goals, power play is very effective. . . Whoever wants it, that’s what is going to happen here. Pretty simple.”
Defence is key for Wintoneak.
“We’ve played well (since Christmas especially). You need to play well without the puck. If you’re going to win a championship you need to be able to do that. You need to be able to defend. If you’re not able to check and defend you’re going to win anything. Simple as that.”
Lang expressed his final thoughts.
“Very, very excited to play in the finals again. There’d be nothing better than to bring “Bill” home again.”