As 2023 winds down, the battle for top spot in the North Central Senior AA Hockey League South Division continues to stay hot.
The Red Deer Rustlers and the Lacombe Generals are tied for first in the division, with identical 7-3 records after wins on the weekend. The two teams will square off ahead of the league’s Christmas break, with puck drop set for 7:30 p.m. at the Penhold Multiplex on Saturday.
The Wetaskiwin Longhorns are not far behind with a 6-4 mark on the year following a victory at home on Sunday.
Red Deer knocked off Camrose 6-3 on home ice Saturday night. Gabe Bast led the way with two goals in the night, while Nate Higgins, Donovon Lumb, Christ Ruackman and Tyler Berkholtz each added a tally. Berkholtz, Ruackman and Mike Dempster each added a pair of assists.
Camrose goalie Connor Dobberthien stood tall in the loss with 49 saves on 55 shots. Brodan Salmond made 37 saves in the win for Red Deer.
In Lacombe, the Generals knocked off Westlock 8-2 Saturday night. Jamie Johnson had two goals and two assists to lead the way for Lacombe, while Cam Maclise added a goal and two helpers. Beaudon Rider also had three assists for Lacombe. Bryce Wilson, Tyler Leech, Tyrell Bourk, Thomas Beretta and Taylor Mulder all added goals in the win. Mackenzie Engel made 31 saves in the victory.
Wetaskiwin won 7-4 over Bonnyville Saturday behind a hatrick from Ryley Bennefield and four assists by Dakota Conroy. Longhorns goalie Donovan Auger made 50 saves in the win.