The Stettler Lightning have run into a rut early in the Heritage Junior Hockey League season.
The junior B Lightning lost 6-3 to the visiting Okotoks Bisons on Saturday night at the Stettler Recreation Centre.
It was the fourth loss in as many games for Stettler, which had opened the season with a pair of wins.
Landon Potter, on the power play, and the Ternes twins — Adam and Scott — scored the Stettler goals. It was a two-point night for Adam Ternes.
The Lightning trailed 2-1 after the first period and 5-1 after 40 minutes.
The Bisons scored three power-play goals in the fateful second period, during which Lightning forward Wyatt Haustein received a major penalty for checking to the head. He has also picked up a one-game suspension.
Stettler goaltender Simon Thieleman made 28 saves as the Lightning outshot their guests 37-34.
Jeremy Smith, with four points, and Jordan Eddy each scored two goals for the Bisons (5-2), and singles went to Dillon Loomer and Chase Falls.
The Lightning are back home this Saturday for a 7:30 p.m. date with the Airdrie Thunder (2-4-0-1).
When the Thunder last visited Stettler, on Oct. 6, they beat the Lightning 5-4.
Also on tap for Stettler this weekend is a Sunday afternoon road game against the Medicine Hat Cubs (5-3-0-1).
HOUSTON JOINS THREE HILLS: The Three Hills Thrashers continue to gain a distinct Stettler flavour. After a stint with the junior A Canmore Eagles, Dylan Houston has joined fellow Stettler product Jacob Hamel and Castor brothers Aaron and Michael Neumeier with the Thrashers (2-1-0-1),
Last season, Houston played on a high-scoring Red Deer minor midget line with the Ternes twins.