Louis Jonerheim’s two goals in the second period was the difference as the Smoke Eaters opened their BCHL Showcase with a 4-2 win over Nanaimo.
The 6’4″ Swedish power forward showcased his goal scoring ability from prime scoring territory, converting a feed from Dylan Lariviere who battled through a double team to make the perfect pass in close early in the second period.
Brayden Sinclair did the heavy lifting later in the period with some fine work behind the net before the super centreing pass to Jonerheim whose low snipe found the back of the net to give Trail a 3-1 lead heading to the third period.
The Smokies penalty killers shone early in the third period, snuffing out three Clippers power plays, including a 5-on-3 disadvantage for 1:14.
Ironically, Nanaimo would cut Trail’s lead to a single goal moments later with a defensive zone turnover resulting in Nicholas Holomego’s shot from the point making it a 3-2 game with just over ten and a half minutes remaining.
The Smokies shut down the speedy Clippers until Lariviere who was a dogged forechecker and owned the boards all game, spun at the Nanaimo blue line and lifted a shot into the empty net with just over a minute and a half remaining.
The team’s traded first period power play goals with Tanner Bruender scoring on a high rising shot from the left wing circle and Trail’s Erik Pastro ripping in his sixth goal of the season and fourth on the power play converting a three-way passing play with Zach Coutu and Christian Kim late in the opening frame.
Trail outshot the Clippers 22-18, while going 1-for-7 on the power play and killing off 5-of-6 Nanaimo advantages.
The 7-and-1 Smokies close out their portion of the Showcase Thursday morning against Alberni Valley who look to improve on their 3-and-4 record Wednesday afternoon against Cranbrook.
Opening face-off from Abbotsford on Thursday is set for 10 a.m. The game can be heard on Mixlr and watched on FloHockey.
The next home game is Friday, October 24 against the Blackfalds Bulldogs. Tickets are available in the Smokies Store or online at Tickets.TrailSmokeEaters.com.
