Saints run win streak to nine games with OT win over Spartans
By The Nelson Daily Sports
The Selkirk Saints continued to dominate the B.C. Intercollegiate Hockey League, but this win not easy.
Selkirk overcame a two-goal deficit midway through the third period to force overtime before Kam Crawford scored the winner just 30 seconds into the extra frame to top Trinity Western University Spartans 5-4 Friday night at the Langley Events Centre.
With the victory the Saints move the 9-0 on the regular season and extended their league record winning streak to begin the year.
“We came out slow and tentative tonight and paid the price when TWU took advantage of some defensive lapses in the second period and capitalized on their opportunities,” said Saints head coach Jeff Dubois.
“But even after going down two goals early in the third period our group didn’t quit. We dominated the final 20 minutes and were rewarded for turning our game around.”
“Hopefully we’ll show tomorrow that we learned a lesson and come out with the same intensity that we finished with tonight,” Dubois added.
Crawford’s goal, through traffic to complete the comeback, was necessary after the Spartans scored on an early third period power-play to take a 4-2 lead.
Jordan Wood and Logan Proulx led the way for the Saints, each picking up points on all four of Selkirk’s goals in regulation.
Blueliner Jake Harcoff and forward Jamie Kreller put the hosts ahead by a pair early in the second following a scoreless first period.
The teams then traded goals, with Saints defenceman Brodie Gibbon and TWU’s Jamie Russell each scoring, before Proulx brought Selkirk back within one late in the frame.
Saints netminder Chris Hurry received his second start of the regular season and stopped 17 of 21 shots before being relieved by Alex Sirard following the Spartans’ fourth goal.
Sirard stopped all six shots he faced and picked up the win after his team scored the final three goals of the game. In the TWU net! Harry Fredeman was outstanding in turning aside 43 shots on the night.
Saturday’s rematch is set for a 1 p.m. faceoff and can be viewed online at www.fasthockey.com
