The Bonnyville Pontiacs are pleased to announce that 17-year-old defenceman, Steven Seigo (Edenwold, SK) has committed to attend Michigan Tech University (Western Collegiate Hockey Association) for the 2009-2010 season.

This past season, Steven’s second with the Pontiacs, was highlighted by many successes.  In November, Steven helped Team Canada-West capture Gold at the World Jr. A Challenge.   He followed that up with an appearance in the Rogers AJHL All-Star Game where he helped lead the North Division to victory.  At seasons end, Steven was a unanimous selection on the AJHL North All-Star Team and was a candidate for AJHL Defenceman-of-the-Year.

Steven joins Jamie Easton (Alabama-Huntsville) and Lucas Isley (Western Michigan), as the third member of the 2007-2008 Bonnyville Pontiacs committed to NCAA Division I schools. The Pontiacs would like to congratulate Steven and his family.  We are extremely proud of Steven and his accomplishments. We look forward to his continued contributions to the Pontiacs next season, and wish him much success at Michigan Tech University.

The Philadelphia Flyers have announced that they have signed former Bonnyville Pontiacs forward Jon Kalinski to a National Hockey League entry level contract. Kalinski has been assigned to the Philadelphia Phantoms of the American Hockey League.   Financial terms of the deal were not announced.

Selected by Philadelphia in the sixth round (152nd overall) of the 2007 NHL Entry Draft, Kalinski finishes his three-year stint with the Minnesota State University Mavericks of the WCHA.  Prior to MSU, the LaCorey, AB. native spent two seasons (2003-2005) with the Alberta Junior Hockey Leagues Bonnyville Pontiacs.  Kalinski totaled 67 points and 263 PIM in 110 career games with the Pontiacs.

The Pontiacs would like to congratulate Jon and his family.  We are extremely proud of Jon and his accomplishments and look forward to his continued success.

For any further information please contact the Pontiacs office at 780-826-2893.

Chad Mercier
General Manager/Head Coach
Bonnyville Pontiacs

The Bonnyville Pontiacs would like to thank all their fans and corporate sponsors for their support of the team in the 2007-2008 season.  This season has been one of the most successful seasons for the Pontiacs thanks to the fans and sponsors and we hope to continue that success into the next season for 2008-2009.  Head Coach/General Manager, Chad Mercier, and Assistant Coach/Marketing Manager, Ryan Pollock, have been working hard toward the future with recruiting and scouting to bring another exciting team to Bonnyville.  The Pontiacs will be holding two spring camps this year, one in Calmar on April 4th to 6th and another in Bonnyville on April 11th to 13th where they hope to sign some good talent and get a good look at players of the future.

The Pontiacs would like to thank the graduating 20 year old players for their service to the team and wish them all the best luck in the future.  These players include #4 Lyle Van Wieren, #8 Tyler Ferbey, #15 Brayden Kolisniak, #21 Kyle Kvisle, #27 Adam Schwark and #35 Jesse Chenard.  The Pontiacs will also be saying farewell to #11 Jamie Easton as he will be off to play for the University of Alabama-Huntsville next year.  Good luck Jamie!

There is no question that big changes will be coming to this team for next year so stay tuned as we bring you updates throughout the off season on the website.

GO PONTIACS!

The Bonnyville Pontiacs were shutout for the second time in a row on Fort McMurray ice as they fell 3-0 to the Oil Barons in game five of the best of seven series.  Oil Barons now lead the series 3-2 and the Pontiacs will get a chance to even things up on Sunday, March 16th where the puck drops at 6:00pm in the RJ Lalonde Arena.  Be sure to come out and make as much as noise as you can to lift the Pontiacs to victory! 

GO PONTIACS!!

The Bonnyville Pontiacs struck oil against the Fort McMurray Oil Barons as they tied the series at 2-2 with a 4-3 double overtime victory in game four only 24 hours after losing game three to the Oil Barons 3-2 also in double overtime. More on this story to come tomorrow as well as pictures from both games.

GO PONTIACS!

The Bonnyville Pontiacs were unable to create any offense in game 2 against the Fort McMurray Oil Barons as they fell 4-0 to the Oil Barons.  The Pontiacs were outshot 41-14 and gave up 3 powerplay goals.

Game 3 of this second round AJHL Playoff match-up will be played in Bonnyville on Tuesday, March 11th at the RJ Laldonde Arena at 7:30pm.

GO PONTIACS!!

In six regular season games the Bonnyville Pontiacs were not able to defeat the Fort McMurray Oil Barons but none of that mattered as the Pontiacs beat the Oil Barons by a score of 3-2 in Fort McMurray in the post season.  With the victory the Pontiacs take a 1-0 lead in the best of seven game series in the second round of the AJHL Playoffs.

The first period was dominated by the Oil Barons but despite out shooting the Pontiacs 15-3 the Oil Barons were unable to capatalize on their opportunites.  The Pontiacs held on with gritty defense and sharp goal tending by Jesse Chenard as the period would eventually end tied at zero.

In the second period the Pontiacs opened the scoring with 17:35 remaining thanks to shaky goal tending by the Oil Barons goalie Matt Korchmar, it was Brayden Kolisniak who would score his second goal of the playoffs from Kyle Kvisle to make it 1-0 for the Pontiacs.  With 14:58 left in the period, Oil Barons Goalie Korchmar got caught with his pants down again this time resulting in a Pontiacs short handed goal scored by Lucas Isley, his third of the playoffs, from Shawn Bates.  The Pontiacs found themselves short handed again minutes later but they would not waiver as they would score yet another short handed goal on Korchmar this time scored by Craig Cuthbert, his second of the playoffs, on a clear cut break away from Lucas Isley with only one second left in the period to make it 3-0 for the Pontiacs.

Midway through the third period the Oil Barons made it 3-1 for the Pontiacs as they would finally find a way to get the puck past Pontiac goalie Jesse Chenard.  With 3.5 seconds left in the period the Oil Barons struck again but it was too little too late as the Pontiacs would take game 1 by a score of 3-2.

The game star for the Pontiacs was Jesse Chenard (Pictured left) who stopped 42 of 44 fired at him.  Honorable mentions go to Lucas Isley who scored a goal and an assist and Tyler Ferbey who stepped up for injured all-star defenseman Steven Seigo in a big way.

The Pontiacs will play of the Oil Barons again Sunday night where they will look to take a 2-0 lead in the series.  Game time is 8:30pm and will be broadcast as usual on KOOL 101.3 with live play by play called by Robb Hunter.

GO PONTIACS!!

The Bonnyville Pontiacs did not fail deliver as they defeated the Sherwood Park Crusaders 4-2 in the fifth and final game of the five game series.  For the second time in franchise history the Pontiacs will be going to the second round of the AJHL Playoffs where they will meet the Fort McMurray Oil Barons.  It was 2 years ago that these two teams met in the second round of the playoffs where it went all the way to the seventh game.

The first period went as planned for the Pontiacs as they struck first and often scoring two unanswered power play goals.  Jamie Easton scored his fourth goal of the playoffs on the powerplay from Brayden Kolisniak and Kyle Kvisle 5:02 left in the third.  Nearly two and a half minutes later Brayden Kolisniak scored his first goal of the playoffs from Tyler Ferbey and Kyle Kvisle to make it 2-0 going into the second period.

In the second period the Pontiacs would score the only goal of the period. Chris Jung scored his first goal of the playoffs from Kyle Kvisle and Lucas Isley to give the Pontiacs a 3-0 lead into the third period.

The Crusaders came out firing in the third round desperately looking for a come back and scored 46 seconds into the final period to make it 3-1 in favor of the Pontiacs.  The Pontiacs successfuly settled down the Crusaders and scored another Powerplay goal 11:20 into the period with a goal courtesy of Steven Seigo, his first of the playoffs, from Lucas Isley and Adam Schwark.  With 3:03 left in the game the Crusaders found the back of the net again but it was too late as the Pontiacs refused to allow any more offense from the Crusaders. 

Kyle Kvisle was the game star for the Pontiacs while Rob Kleebaum was given the same honor for the Crusaders.  Honorable mentions go to Braydon Kolisniak who got a goal and an assist and Lucas Isley who assisted in two goals. The final honorable mention goes to the Fans of the Bonnyville Pontiacs who showed up and made for the perfect atmosphere and energized the Pontiacs squad to play so well!

The second round of the playoffs start on March 8th in Fort McMurray as the Pontiacs will be taking on the Oil Barons.  The Pontiacs will be back in town on March 11th and 12th for games 3 and 4 of this seven game series.

Go Pontiacs!

The Pontiacs fell for the second day in a row to the Crusaders by a score of 4-1 forcing game five to be played in Bonnyville on Thursday, March 6th.  Home ice seems to be the key in this series and the Pontiacs will attempt to use that advantage to take themselves to the second round of the AJHL Playoffs.  Be sure to come out and support the team and make as much noise as you can to lift this team to victory!  It is going to be an exciting game!

GO PONTIACS!!

The Pontiacs hit a speed bump on Monday night as they lost to the Crusaders by a score of 7-1.  Lucas Isley was the only player to score a goal for the Pontiacs. Pontiac Goaltender Jesse Chenard gave up four goals and the backup Adam Gingras gave up three goals.  The Pontiacs will hit the ice again Tuesday night as they will look to throw the knock out punch and eliminate the Cruasaders from the playoffs in front of their own fans.

The battle may have been lost tonight but the War is still on!

Go Pontiacs!!

The Bonnyville Pontiacs defeated the Sherwood Park Crusaders by a score of 5-3 and took a 2-0 lead in the best of five playoff series.  It was a complete team effort as no player on the Pontiacs squad scored more than one point in the game.

Full of confidence, the Pontiacs came out flying in the first period and scored 3 unanswered goals much to the delight of the hometown crowd. Adam Schwark opened the scoring on the powerplay with assists to Steven Seigo and Kyle Kvisle.  Three minutes later Ross Herzog scored from Andrew Skoreyko and Greg Doll to make it 2-0.  Lucas Isley made it 3-0 with assists to Jamie Sadlowski and Chris Jung.

The momentum of the game swung in the favour of the Crusaders as they outshot the Pontiacs 20-6 in the second period but Pontiac goalie Jesse Chenard was sharp as he only allowed one goal in the period.  The Pontiacs struck first in the second period with a goal scored by Craig Cuthbert from Shawn Bates.  About a minute later the Crusaders scored to make the score 4-1 going into the third period.

The Crusaders again outshot the Pontiacs in the third period by a margin of 14 to 8.  Midway through the third the Crusaders scored to half the score at 4-2.  With 36 seconds remaining in the period, with the Crusaders goalie pulled for the extra attacker the Crusaders would once again solve Jesse Chenard but it was too late.  Jamie Easton blew the wind out of the Crusaders sails with an empty net unassisted goal with 17 seconds remaining in the game.

Craig Cuthbert was the game star for the Pontiacs while David Way was given the same honor for the Crusaders.  An honorable mention goes to Jesse Chenard who was sharp in net for the Pontiacs stopping 34 out of 37 shots fired at him.

The Pontiacs now travel to Sherwood Park for game 3 on Monday, March 3rd.  The Pontiacs only need one more victory in this 5 game series to move on to the second round of the playoffs.

Go Pontiacs!

The Bonnyville Pontiacs were victorious over the Sherwood Park Crusaders by a score of 4-2 in game 1 of the best of five opening round series. 

The Crusaders outshot the Pontiacs 15-8 in the first period but they were unable to capitalize against the stingy Bonnyville goalie, Jesse Chenard.

The Pontiacs made a valiant return in the second period outshooting the Crusaders 17-3.  The first goal of the game was scored by Jamie Easton from Brayden Kolisniak and Kyle Kvisle.  Minutes later Easton would score again this time on the powerplay with the lone assists to Adam Schwark.  The period was seemingly destined to end 2-0 for the Pontiacs but the Crusaders struck back with a late 2nd period goal to make it 2-1 going into the third.

Adam Schwark scored first in the third period with assists to Ross Herzog and Craig Cuthbert to make it 3-1.  The Pontiacs continued to grow their lead to 4-1 with a powerplay goal scored by Denis Cadrin from Jamie Sadlowski.  With about a minute to play in the third the Crusaders scored a short handed goal but it was too little too late as the Pontiacs would go on to win 4-2.

The game star for the Pontiacs was Jamie Easton while Andrew Hunter was given the same honor for the Crusaders.  Honorable mentions go to Jesse Chenard who was stellar in net for the Pontiacs and Adam Schwark who scored a goal and an assist. 

The five series opening playoff round continues in Bonnyville tomorrow as these two teams will meet again at 7:30 at the RJ Lalonde Arena.

Go Pontiacs!

The Alberta Junior Hockey League announced today the All-League and All-Rookie Teams for the 2007-2008 Season.  The rosters were selected by the respective division’s General Managers and Coaches.

The Bonnyville Pontiacs are pleased to announce that four members of the team were selected for the All-League and All-Rookie Teams.  Congratulations to all players who were chosen!

North Division All-League Team

G Blaine Neufeld* - Grande Prairie Storm
D Connor Hardowa - Spruce Grove Saints
D Steven Seigo* - Bonnyville Pontiacs
F Jamie Easton* - Bonnyville Pontiacs
F Tyler Gron* - Ft. McMurray Oil Barons
F Ron Meyers - Lloydminster Bobcats

North Division All-Rookie Team

G Adam Gingras - Bonnyville Pontiacs
D Kevin Connauton* - Spruce Grove Saints
D Lewis Laczko - Lloydminster Bobcats
F Dillon Wagner - Drayton Valley Thunder
F Brett Cameron - Spruce Grove Saints
F Shawn Bates - Bonnyville Pontiacs

* Unanimous Selection

Round 1

Bonnyville Pontiacs vs Sherwood Park Crusaders

Game 1 February 29, 2008 at Bonnyville 7:30 PM
Game 2 March 1, 2008 at Bonnyville 7:30 PM
Game 3 March 3, 2008 at Sherwood Park 7:00 PM
Game 4 March 4, 2008 at Sherwood Park 7:00 PM
Game 5 March 6, 2008 at Bonnyville 7:30 PM

For information on tickets to home and away games call the Pontiac office at 826-2893

Go Pontiacs!

The Pontiacs tried to get the job done against the Spruce Grove Saints but did not succeed as they fell 4-2 to the Saints in the final game of the season.  With the loss, the Pontiacs will finish 4th in the North Division standings of the AJHL.

Despite the loss it was a very successful year for the Pontiacs.  The Pontiacs finished with 75 points, 20 more than last years team and for the second time in fanchise history the Pontiacs will have home ice advantage in the first round of the playoffs. 

The first hurdle is complete for the Bonnyville Pontiacs as they have no more games remaining in the regular season.  It will be back to business next Friday as the Pontiacs begin the quest for the Enerflex Cup in the Pamco Jiro & Syntech Playoffs where the Pontiacs will meet the Sherwood Park Cruasaders in a best of five series.  More details will be released at the conclusion of the AJHL Regular Season on February 27th.

Go Pontiacs!

The Bonnyville Pontiacs hosted the St. Albert Steel on Family Day and skated away with a 4-1 victory.  Brayden Kolisniak and Craig Cuthbert potted a pair of goals each as they lead the Pontiacs to their 34th win of the year.  Jesse Chenard returned to play after missing three games due to a flu bug and only allowed one goal in 20 shots fired at him to record his 23rd win of the season for the Pontiacs.

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After dropping two games in a row the Pontiacs bounced back into the win column with a convincing 6-3 victory over the Brooks Bandits.

The Pontiacs came out strong in the first period scoring 3 unanswered goals.  The first goal was scored by Adam Schwark from Craig Cuthbert.  Three minutes laster Brayden Kolisniak scored from Kyle Kvisle and Jamie Easton.  With nine minutes remaining in the first period Jeremy Gerhardt took the brunt of a knee on knee collision which resulted in a five minute major and a game misconduct to Bandits player Colin Scherger. With seven minutes remaining in the period Jamie Sadlowski ripped a bullet from the blue line and past the Bandits goaltender on power play with assists to Tyler Ferbey and Craig Cuthbert. 

Two minutes into the second period the Pontiacs scored a short handed goal scored by Jamie Easton from Kyle Kvisle.  Shawn Bates would score another short handed goal with five minutes left in the second with the lone assist going to Lucas Isley.  The Bandits would score late in the second to make the score 5-1 going into the third.

The Pontiacs opened the scoring two minutes into the third with a goal scored by Jamie Easton from Kyle Kvisle and Brayden Kolisniak.  The Bandits mustered up a little offense to score the two last goals of the game but it was too little too late as the Pontiacs would walk away with the 6-3 victory.

Jamie Easton walked away with the game star for the Pontiacs while Matt Hallick was given the same honor for the Bandits.

As a result of this victory the Pontiacs have clinched home ice advantage for the first round of the playoffs as they cannot finish worse than fourth in the North Division.  The victory also came at a cost for the Pontiacs as it appears that Jeremy Gerhardt will not be able to play for the rest of the year as a result of the Knee on Knee collision in the first period of the game. 

Two games remain in the season.  On Monday the Pontiacs will host the St. Albert Steel with game time at 2:30pm.  The last game of the regular will be in Bonnyville on Friday February 22nd at 7:30pm as the Pontiacs host the Spruce Grove Saints.

The Bonnyville Pontiacs are pleased to announce that 20-year-old forward Jamie Easton (Edmonton, Alberta) has verbally committed to attend the University of Alabama-Huntsville (College Hockey America) for the 2008-2009 season. 
 Jamie is in his third season with the Pontiacs and currently leads the Alberta Junior Hockey League in goals and sits third in overall points scored.  Recently, Jamie participated in the Rogers AJHL All-Star Game where he captained the North Division to victory.  Jamie will leave the Pontiac organization among the career leaders in goals and points scored.  The Pontiacs would like to congratulate Jamie and his family.  We are extremely proud of Jamie and his accomplishments. We look forward to his continued contributions to the Pontiacs this season, and wish him much success at the University of Alabama-Huntsville. For any further information please contact the Pontiacs office at 780-826-2893.