Spencer McLean – Breakout Weekend
After a 2-1 overtime win in Nanaimo on Friday night, a 7-3 victory in Cowichan on Saturday the Smokies skated to a 5-2 come from behind win in an afternoon game in Langley on Sunday, completing a perfect road trip weekend.
After earning 6 points over the weekend the Smokies have moved into fourth place in the Interior Division, 1 point ahead of fifth place West Kelowna and 1 point behind third place Merritt Centennials. The Smokies may have made history this past weekend with the 6 point road trip. The last time they came close was in 2002-03 when they earned 5 of 6 points when they beat Nanaimo, Victoria and lost in O/T to Langley. There are no records of them doing this prior to these dates.
On Sunday afternoon in Langley the Smokies fell behind 2-0 after one period. In the second Troy Ring pulled Trail to within one when he scored at 14:41 assisted on by Ryan Moon.
In the third the Smokies scored 4 unanswered goals to take the win. Kale Howarth scored at 8:43, assisted on by Luke Santerno. At 10:05 Connor Brown Maloski scored to make it 3-2 with assists going to Ross Armour and Braeden Tuck. In a breakout weekend for both Spencer McLean and Blaine Caton, McLean put Trail ahead 4-2 at 17:07 with the assist going to Blaine Caton. Luke Santerno sealed the win and the comeback for the Smokies when he scored at 19:19 to make it 5-2. Kale Howarth with a 5 point weekend assisted on the goal.
Zach Dyment of the Smokies with 25 saves in the game was named first star. Blaine Caton, with another strong game for the Smokies was named second star and Nicholas Ponak of the Rivermen was named third star.
Cam Keith, Smokie Coach/GM commented, “It was a true test of character to come back from 2-0 on the tail end of a tough 3 in 3 road trip. Zach Dyment again was solid making keys saves in the third period. Troy Ring started the comeback continuing with goals from all four lines.”
Smokies will now return home for games against Salmon Arm on Wednesday night and Nanaimo on Friday night. Game time Wednesday is 7:00 PM at the Cominco Arena. Friday’s game is at 7:30 PM at the Cominco Arena.
