Once again the slow start is killing the Knights chances at Victory. After two regular season games and 2 preseason games of the Knights coming out apprehensive, slow and too cautious. Spotting both Langley and White Rock 5 Goals in last two games they could not over come the deficit again last night. They had the same problem in the preseason game with Abbotsford too. After two quick goals on starter Braden Olsen, Coach Liboiron pulled the trigger and activated Rahul Sharma who then proceeded to let the 3rd shot get by him. At that point the Knights picked themselves off the ice and cranked up the effort level. Unfortunately, the Whale was able to pot two more goals by the end of the first.
After a passionate speech by Sharma in a players only meeting and their Goalie Coach Al Duncan in a second meeting, the Knights came storming out. Henry Brawdy scored his first of the season and his first PJHL goal proving that hard work, dedication and perseverance always pays off. It sparked the Knights and led to Goals by Captain Billy Thompson and newly aquired forward Colby Stanley. The goals charged up the crowd and all of a sudden it was a 5 – 3 game. The coaches for the Whale were trying to light a fire under their troops feet but it didn’t seem to have any effect. By the end of the second the Knights out shot the Whalers 19 – 7 and had taken control of the game. The power play looked effective but failed to score on their opportunities. They peppered goaltender Daniel Zuvic with 36 shots by the end of the game.
With momentum on their side, the Knights came out swinging in the 3rd and traded shots with the Whalers. Shots ended up 11 – 9 Whalers for the third period and the lone goal came from Ryden Mathieson on a breakway. The shot appeared to hit the cross bar and rocket out but the Referee saw it otherwise and called it a goal dashing any last minute heroics from the Knights. The next game for Surrey is on Saturday in Mission. Hopefully they can turn their strong play in the final 40 minutes in each of their games into a 60 minute performance then.
