A common sight in front of the Powell River net in the first period.
After two losses on Friday and Saturday the Trail Smoke Eaters rebounded with a solid win on Sunday afternoon against the Powell River Kings who sit in second place in the Island Division and fifth overall in the league. The Smokies who have been guilty of slow starts this season put the pedal to the metal from the opening whistle on Sunday afternoon and never let up for the full 60 minutes. The Smokies outshot the Kings 19 – 6 in the first period and set the tone for the remainder of the game.
Smokies coaching staff were extremely happy in the way the team supported the puck and protected the puck well. “It is what Cam, Barry and myself have preached all year,” commented assistant coach Curtis Toneff. “It was nice to see the boys bounce back after our two losses.” “It was a fast paced game from two very tired teams with both of us playing our third game in three days.” “It goes to show how good of shape these young men are in these days.” “Cam Keith, Smoke head coach, said, “it was a key win after losing the first 2 games of the weekend.” “Good performances from Blaine Caton, Josh Laframboise and Kyle Chernenkoff.” “Important points to keep us in the race for second place as we approach Xmas break.”
Although not scoring in the first period the Smokies scored at 9:26 of the second to take a 1-0 lead. Tyler Ghiradosi, an affiliate player from the Beaver Valley Nitehawks, along with Mitchell Stapley assisted on the goal. Blaine Caton put the Smokies up 2-0 at 16:52 of the second with his 8th of the season with the assist going to Andre Ghantous. It was Andre’s 22nd assist of the season. The Kings pulled to within 1 of the Smokies when Ben Berard scored at 18:48. The Smokies re-established their two goal lead just 48 seconds later when, captain, Connor Brown Maloski scored his 7th of the season assisted on by Kyle Chernenkoff and Mitchell Stapley with his 22nd assist of the season.
In the third the Smokies added two more goals to seal the win. Kyle Chernenkoff scored at 9:22 to make it 4-1 with assists going to Spencer McLean and Blaine Caton. At 15:53 Josh Laframboise scored a short-handed goal for the Smokies. Kyle Chernenkoff assisted on the goal.
Smokies, Josh Laframboise, with 2 goals was named first star of the game. King’s goaltender Brian Wilson was named second star and Kyle Chernenkoff was named third star with 1 goal and 1 assist. The Fortis Energy Player of the Game was Josh Laframboise of the Smokie.
Their next home game is on Friday December 9 against Cowichan Valley. Game time is 7:30 PM at the Cominco Arena.
