Sunday the first-place St. Albert Merchants host the North Edmonton Red Wings in the Capital Junior B Hockey League.
Puck drop is 8 p.m. at Akinsdale Arena. The Merchants are 9-1-1 on home ice.
The Merchants (18-2-1) and Red Wings (13-6-1) are the top two teams in the west division.
The Merchants had won seven straight entering Friday’s game against the Spruce Grove Regals (7-14). The score from Grant Fuhr Arena was unavailable at press time.
The Merchants are averaging almost six goals a game and less than three against despite injuries to two over-age players for extended periods of time.
“It’s a testament to the depth of the club and the fact that so many of the new guys this year are contributing so well,” said head coach Scott Rodda. “Up front we’ve been led well by the entire offensive core of both veterans and rookies, as is the case on the back end as well. The team’s tenacity and skill level is further complimented by our solid goaltending. The combination of vets and rookies has been exciting to watch mould together.”
It’s also been a successful season off the ice for the Money Men. They’ve helped out with floor hockey for St. Albert Special Olympics, the St. Albert Food Bank and with St. Albert Minor Hockey Development Day and the 22 initiation teams.
“They have more activities planned for December and the new year as they’re keen on helping out in their own community,” Rodda said. “If you have something you think the boys could help out with in the community they’re certainly open to your suggestions.”
Also, all 320 players registered in initiation received free tickets for the Dec. 20 home tilt against the Beverly Warriors (11-9) at 8 p.m. The last game before the Christmas break is billed as Minor Hockey Day.
“The Merchants are hopeful that they will have a great turnout that night to celebrate their season so far and wish their fans a Merry Christmas,” Rodda said.
The Paul Kane Blues make their metro Edmonton season debut at home next week in division one men’s and women’s basketball.
Monday the Blues host the Ross Sheppard Thunderbirds at 5 p.m. for the men and 6:30 for the women.
Wednesday the Blues play the visiting Strathcona Lords at 5 p.m. for the women and 6:30 p.m. for the men.
