Ceremonial puck drop with the Gunville family prior to the Timberwolves vs. Martensville Marauder game Friday night. (Photo courtesy: Barry Otterson)

By paNOW Staff

hockey hilights

Timberwolves take two wins to start Ron Gunville Memorial tournament

Nov 11, 2023 | 11:59 AM

The home team Lake Country Timberwolves finished first in their pool with two wins during the opening day of the 3rd annual Ron Gunville Memorial Hockey tournament. The wins put the team on the champion side of the draw for action Saturday.

With a handful of players out of the lineup due to injury, head coach Derek Simonson said he had to rely on the team to play a simple game and to ‘do the little things well.’

“We had multiple alternate players that stepped up to the plate and did what was required to help us out. They did a great job,” said Simonson. “As coaches, we delivered a simple message about sticking to the game plan and simplifying the game as that is when success seems to follow.”

The Lake Country Timberwolves finished first in their pool with two wins on Friday. (Photo courtesy: Barry Otterson)

The Timberwolves defeated the Humboldt Broncos 7-4 and the Martensville Marauders 4-2. Forward Trey Mudry led the team in scoring with four goals and four assists. Jack Puckett of the Sask East Oilers, a team from the Yorkton, Melville and Moosomin areas, was the tournament scoring leader after the first day of action with four goals and five assists. The Oilers also finished first in their pool with two wins. Click here to follow the tournament standings during Saturday’s play.

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Roper Blanchard was this year’s recipient of the Ron Gunville Memorial Scholarship. (Photo courtesy: Barry Otterson)

Prior to the Timberwolves game against Martensville Friday night, a short opening ceremony took place to acknowledge the tournament’s namesake. Ron Gunville grew up in Prince Albert always immersed in sports. He excelled in soccer, baseball and hockey. His skill led him to play for the Prince Albert Raiders and the Lethbridge Hurricanes. He also coached hockey at many levels including U18 ‘AAA’ and Junior ‘A’ prior to becoming a hockey scout in the WHL.

Gunville was also the Director of Player Personnel for the Raiders and had a vision on how to build a successful hockey team. That vision came true in 2019 when the Raiders became WHL champions. Sadly, Gunville lost his battle to cancer in December of 2018 and wasn’t there to witness the success he greatly contributed to. His wife Sherry, son Reed and daughter Taryn attended Friday night’s game to help officially open the tournament with a ceremonial puck drop. They also presented the Ron Gunville Memorial Scholarship. This year’s recipient was Roper Blanchard. During the ceremony, the Prince Albert Raiders organization was also acknowledged for being the lead sponsor of the tournament.

The Timberwolves are back in action Saturday night against the Parkland Elks – a team with players from the Shellbrook area. The Elks finished second in their pool following the first day of action.

“It will be an exciting game,” said Simonson. “Both teams will have speed and play a physical game, so it should be entertaining for the fans.”

The puck drops at the Art Hauser Centre at 6 p.m.

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panews@pattisonmedia.com

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