Battlefords Sharks head coach Gary Berggren had mixed emotions about his team’s play on home ice over the weekend.
While the Sharks snapped a six-game losing skid Saturday with a 3-2 win over the Melville Prairie Fire at the Battleford Arena, they were on the wrong end of a 5-0 decision the following afternoon in their last game before Christmas.
“I thought we played really well against Prince Albert last weekend, but we didn’t quite have the same jump and energy in our step against Melville,” Berggren said. “When you don’t have those aspects of your game, that makes a huge difference.”
“With that said, we’ll take all the wins that we can get. They’ve been tough to come by this year as there have been games where the girls have played really well, but they haven’t been rewarded for it.”
Saturday’s win over the Prairie Fire was highlighted by a stellar performance by Sharks netminder Haylie Biever, as she made 35 saves to earn player of the game honours.
“There were quite a few times where we thought the puck had gone into the net, but she kept it from crossing the goal line,” Berggren said. “When your goalie is making those kinds of saves, that’s really nice to see.”
Ali Aitken led the way on offence with a goal and an assist, while Celena Kissick and Madison Sansom also found the back of the net.
In Sunday’s rematch, the Sharks were down 1-0 heading into the third period, but the Prairie Fire scored four goals in the final 20 minutes to pull away.
“We started the third period on the power play and we gave up a shorthanded goal,” Berggren said. “When you are struggling to get things going on offence, a momentum swing like that is a huge difference maker and we just couldn’t recover.”
Heather Fiske had a goal and two assists to pace the Prairie Fire on offence Sunday.
After hosting their annual alumni game at 7:15 p.m. Thursday at the Battleford Arena, the 4-16 Sharks will be back in action on Thursday, Jan. 11 when they’ll go on the road to face the Saskatoon Stars.
Their next home game will be on Saturday, Jan. 20 against the Weyburn Gold Wings.
