Quick strike offence, a steady defence and perfect goaltending lead to the Smoke Eaters first win of 2022, as they knock off the Warriors for the first time this season 4-0 Friday night at Cominco.
The goaltenders would stay perfect in an even played opening twenty minutes with both teams creating various opportunities. But after one period we went to the break still scoreless and awaiting the games first goal.
Fans, players and coaches alike had to wait almost another twenty minutes before the first goal was scored. Despite being out shot in the 2nd the Smoke Eaters carried the play. When they were in their own zone it seemed like it was either Evan Fradette of Coalson Wolford blocking shots as the Smoke Eater captain laid it all out on the line at various times tonight. The Smoke Eaters were finally rewarded for their efforts with two late goals. The first came from Quinn Disher who scores his 7th of the year, in what would end up being the game winner. It wasn’t pretty but Michaud, Wolford and helped get the puck to the front of the net after Michaud forced the turnover and Disher made no mistake.
The Warriors then looked for an immediate response as they flipped the puck in off the draw. Throwing all five guys at the puck helped the Smoke Eaters counter and just 22 seconds after Disher’s opener, Teddy Lagerback scored his 15th of the year, this one from behind the net.
The Smoke Eaters would then take a commanding lead into the third period up 2-0. In the third the experience and poise of Kabore Dunn and the return of Ethan Willoughby showed for the Smoke Eaters in the third period as they played a solid defensively to see this one out. That mixed in with a handful more blocked shots from Coalson Wolford and company capped off an overall quality performance from the Smoke Eaters. On top of the defensive performance provided from Dunn and fellow newcomer Josh Orrico, Orrico and Nic Remissong would open their smoke Eaters accounts with a goal and an assist to round out the night. First Orrico would score just as the powerplay began for the Smoke Eaters, as Michaud won the race for the puck, found Wolford who spun to find Orrico at the back post.
Then it was another quick goal for the Smoke Eaters as Disher added an assist feeding Remissong who went forehand, backhand, top shelf on Derrick to seal the victory.
Fradette would go on to stop all 30 shots on the night earning his first BCHL shutout and helping to get the Smoke Eaters back into the win column for their first win of 2022. The Smoke Eaters will look to replicate this performance Saturday night in Cranbrook as they take on the Bucks for the final time this season.
