The Slave Lake Wolves made their long-awaited return to junior hockey in front of a packed MRC Arena on Sept. 5, defeating the Sexsmith Vipers 3-1 in an exhibition game.
The game, which began at 7 p.m., was the first junior hockey game played in Slave Lake in 12 years.
The Wolves last played during the 2013-2014 season before the team’s return this year.
The homecoming drew a large crowd, with the Wolves saying lineups formed outside the arena before the game.
“Slave Lake you have set the bar right out of the gate!” the team said in a Facebook post following the game.
“With lineups outside the doors to get in I think it’s safe to say the return of the Wolves hockey got off to a great start here in Slave Lake!”
The Wolves said the energy and atmosphere inside the arena was something the players would not forget.
“We are just getting started,” the team said. “WE ARE BACK BABY!”
On the ice, Blake Bellerose opened the scoring for the Wolves. Forward Seth Roy led the team offensively, scoring twice and adding an assist in the 3-1 victory.
Goaltender Grady Beauchamp also played a key role, stopping 36 of the 37 shots he faced. The Wolves highlighted several of his saves as particularly impressive.
Asher Lamabe recorded two assists and was also credited by the team for a physical performance that included several big hits.
The Wolves entered the game having received support from local businesses and volunteers as they prepared for their return to junior hockey.
Boston Pizza Slave Lake provided the team with a pre-game meal before the exhibition game.
“Community businesses stepping up and giving back to the community is exactly what makes a team like the Wolves possible,” the team said in a Facebook post thanking the restaurant.
The Wolves have also continued to build their roster ahead of the regular season, adding a mix of junior experience and younger players with development potential.
The team recently announced the addition of 2006-born defenceman Mahekun Laroche. According to the Wolves, Laroche brings previous junior hockey experience along with an ability to contribute at both ends of the ice.
The team described him as having an elite-level skillset, combining offensive ability with defensive awareness. The Wolves have also announced the acquisition of 2007-born forward Foster Brassard, who is coming to Slave Lake from Whitehorse, Yukon.
Brassard brings junior experience to the lineup and adds another experienced player to the Wolves’ forward group.
The team has also signed 2010-born defenceman Payton Tompkins for the 2026-27 season.
Tompkins is coming off a season with TRAC 18AA, an elite-level hockey program, and the Wolves said he brings a strong skillset and significant potential as he continues developing at the Junior B level.
“Welcome to the Pack, Payton!” the Wolves said in announcing the signing.
With the exhibition victory now behind them, the Wolves are turning their attention toward their first regular-season home game.
The Wolves will host the County of Grande Prairie Wheat Kings at the MRC Arena on Friday, Sept. 25. The game is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m., with warmups at 7:30 p.m.
The team is also asking former Wolves players, coaches and staff to provide their contact information to slavelakewolves@gmail.com so they can be included on the list for the home opener.
The Wolves have asked members of the public who plan to attend the home opener to RSVP through Alex Pavcek at the same email.
Following Saturday’s exhibition win, the team thanked the fans, volunteers and businesses that helped make its return possible.
“This doesn’t happen without a strong volunteer base and everyone knows Slave Lake delivers when needed,” the Wolves said.
The team said it hopes to build on the momentum from its first game and continue growing alongside the community as the regular season approaches.
William Hetherington
Lakeside Leader
