Saturday night’s match against the Trinity Western Spartans was a huge test for the Clan. Not only were the Spartans top of the league, but they led the league with a total of 99 goals for, had the top ranked power play, with both the best penalty kill and power play on the road. The Clan were up to the task though, winning 3–0 while holding the Spartans to just 24 shots, and peppering the opposing goalie with 40 of their own.
“Well I thought it was a good 60 minutes, total team effort,” said head coach Mark Coletta after the game. “All the guys played well. It was one of those games that you wait for, and we finally got it, even though it’s late in the season.”
The Clan got off to a great start. Just 3:30 into the opening frame, forward Josh McKissock was left all alone in front, and easily buried the rebound of a point shot from defenceman Tyler Mah.
Trinity Western almost answered with a goal of their own immediately after but were stopped by Clan goaltender Andrew Parent, who had a very strong game. McKissock almost got another one later on, just tipping wide a shot from the side of the net.
SFU increased their lead to two right before the end of the period. A mistake at the blue line led to Jono Ceci being sent in all alone. He made no mistake, streaking in from the left and quickly snapping a shot high glove to make it 2–0 Clan.
The second was dominated by SFU, and by the end they outshot Trinity Western 14–5. The Clan got their third and final goal of the night when forward Tyler Basham was able to get past his check, get his shot off, pick up his own rebound, and deposit it into the back of the net on the wraparound. Just a fantastic goal. Parent wasn’t done with the spectacular saves either, making a great glove save off a point blank chance.
The third was filled with penalties, three for Trinity Western alone. SFU at one point had a 57 second 5-on-3 but couldn’t capitalize, the best chance being when Tyler Basham hit the post. No goals were scored, but the Clan clearly dominated the play thanks to all the power play time.
Coach Coletta revealed the team’s plan to shut down their high scoring offense after the game: “I think you want to just stay tight to guys on the ice, and you want to battle for loose pucks. The defensive zone structure hasn’t changed, it’s just a matter of heart and soul. There’s no crazy systems that will win hockey games in the defensive zone. It’s just battling hard and making sure you’re first to loose pucks, and you’re willing to pay the price.”
SFU’s next home game is Saturday, in a rematch against Trinity Western. Puck drop is at 7p.m.
SFU: 3
TWU: 0
First Period:
SFU Josh McKissock (1) (Mah) 16:30
SFU Jono Ceci (9) (Ball) 0:46
Second Period:
SFU Tyler Basham (7) (Williamson) 11:35
Third Period:
-No Scoring-
Shots:
SFU 40
TWU 24
Andrew Parent (SFU): 24 Saves/ 24 Shots 1.000 SV%
Silas Matthys (TWU): 37 Saves/ 40 Shots .925 SV%
Three stars:
1st: SFU #1, Andrew Parent 24 Saves, 1.000 SV%
2nd: SFU #19, Josh McKissock 1G, 0A
3rd: SFU #19, Tyler Basham 1G, 0A
