The Prince Albert Mintos concluded a five-game road trip in impressive fashion Thursday night.
Gabe Klassen recorded a hat trick while Chase Bertholet and Alex Ozar both had four point evenings as the Mintos topped the Beardy’s Blackhawks by a score of 7-2 for their third straight victory in Saskatchewan Midget AAA Hockey League play.
Thursday’s showing for Klassen, who has 45 points in 30 games in his rookie campaign in midget hockey, marked the second time that he scored three goals in a game this year.
The Portland Winterhawks prospect previously accomplished that feat in a 6-0 road win over the Moose Jaw Generals on Dec. 9.
Bertholet, who is a prospect of the Kootenay Ice, had a goal and three assists in the victory.
Ozar, a signed propect of the Saskatoon Blades, dished out four helpers for his best ever outing in a Mintos uniform.
Swift Current Broncos prospect Dawson Springer had a goal and an assist in the triumph, while Andrew Schaab and affiliate player Gage Helm also found the back of the net.
Carter Woodside was busy in goal Thursday as the Regina Pats prospect turned aside 39 shots.
Brothers Nolan and Holden Doell both scored for the Blackhawks, who received a 21-save performance from Tyler Peterson.
As result of Thursday’s contest, the 19-15-2-0 Mintos and the 18-14-4-0 Blackhawks are in a tie for sixth place in the SMAAAHL standings on 40 points.
They are two markers back of the Notre Dame Hounds for fifth place in the league table, but the Telus Cup champions have two games in hand.
The two sides have a five point lead over the eighth place Saskatoon Contacts and are also 13 points ahead of the Moose Jaw Generals, who are on the outside looking in when it comes to the post-season discussion.
The Mintos are back at the Art Hauser Centre this weekend to face the 8-25-1-1 Notre Dame Argos at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
