The Yellowhead Chiefs made the long trip north to Thompson this weekend and came home with a hard-earned split against the Norman Northstars. The Chiefs fell just short in Saturday’s back-and-forth opener before rebounding with a convincing effort Sunday to secure the win. The weekend leaves Yellowhead with a 6-5-0 record—good for seventh in the U18 AAA standings—and marks the first time the Chiefs have won in Thompson since November 6, 2022.
Saturday, October 25 – Norman 5, Yellowhead 4
The Chiefs came out firing in the opening game, outshooting Norman 39–25, but couldn’t hold on in a penalty-filled contest that saw the Northstars capitalize twice on the power play in the third period.
Winston Lepp opened the scoring late in the first before Norman replied shorthanded. The teams traded chances through the middle frame, with goals from Alec Strachan, Nolan Kozak—making his season debut—and a short handed marker by Destin Knight giving Yellowhead the edge. But discipline proved costly in the final period, as Norman scored twice with the man advantage to steal the 5–4 win.
Kozak’s return was a bright spot, finding the scoresheet in his first game back, while goaltender Landon McGregor made 20 saves in the loss.
Sunday, October 26 – Yellowhead 3, Norman 1
The Chiefs regrouped quickly for Sunday’s rematch dominating the shot clock and controlling the pace throughout. Brody Bohemier got things started on the power play, and second-half goals from Wyatt Njegovan and Redden Richmond sealed the 3–1 victory.
Sawyer Wallin was sharp in net, stopping 30 of 31 shots for his fourth win of the year. Kozak picked up an assist, while Lepp and Knight added helpers in a balanced team performance. Alec Strachan with sidelined with a lower body injury Saturday.
Looking Ahead
The Chiefs continue their road swing next weekend with two more tough tests—Saturday, November 1 against the second-place Winnipeg Wild, and Sunday, November 2 in Teulon versus the Interlake Lightning. With their record over .500 and the roster nearing full strength, the Chiefs will look to build momentum heading into November.
