The Battlefords AAA Sharks stayed afloat with the Prince Albert Bears in the first period, but eventually the Sharks couldn't keep their heads above water in exhibition action Saturday.
The Sharks played their first home pre-season game at the Civic Centre and found they will need to go back to the drawing board to tweak things before the season starts.
The Sharks ended the first period tied 0-0, but in the second, Prince Albert's first line set the tone and helped the Bears take control of the game. Roberta Beatty scored from Lyndsay Hildebrandt nearly four minutes into the second. Kelly Regnier and Danielle Miller scored later in the period and the Sharks trailed 3-0 after 40 minutes.
Both teams switched goalies at the halfway point of the game and the Sharks' Hannah Brock replaced Kalene Gardipy.
In the third period, Prince Albert continued to pressure the Sharks and Carlee Hrenkiew scored twice with Regnier and Kelsey Halkett adding singles. The Sharks' lone goal came at 10:43 of the third period on a long shot by Delaney Ross. The puck trickled between the Bears' goalie's legs and just crossed the goal-line.
Prince Albert finished the game two-for-seven on the powerplay and had a shorthanded goal in the 7-1 win.
The Sharks lost their first pre-season to the Bears 4-1 in Prince Albert Sept. 2. The next action for the Sharks is Sunday when they play their final home pre-season game and then go on the road Sept. 23 and 25 to Saskatoon and Swift Current. The regular season begins Sept. 28 in Saskatoon.
