BURNABY, BC — It was a penalty filled affair as SFU and Selkirk combined for 27 penalties as the home team defeated the visiting Selkirk Saints in convincing fashion 4-1.
It didn’t take SFU forward Spencer Unger very long to get things going for the home team, scoring his 4th goal of the season just past the 2-minute mark of the first period. Recently, Unger has been more productive with 3 points in his last 3 games.
These two teams previously met three weeks ago in another physical affair, and the tone of Friday’s game appeared to not surprise to Unger. “We know that they like to play like that. Our goal for today was just to stay focused on the game and not try to get brought into those extra penalties and into the scrums.”
SFU head coach Mark Coletta expected a physical game but wished his team hadn’t taken so many penalties. “I’d like to see our guys be a little more discipline, boys will be boys. If they’re going to be in your face and up front, then our guys have to be able to respond accordingly and not take the dumb penalties.” He continued, “That’s a big, physical team and they’re going to play that style. I think hockey has always been like that, our guys just have to make sure they manage their emotions and stay out of the box.”
Both SFU and Selkirk struggled on the man-advantage, SFU 1/17 and Selkirk 0/10.
Next week SFU will visit the Castlegar Recreation Centre in a rematch of tonight’s game. Unger stresses the importance of this up coming road game. “Obviously, it was a big win tonight, and if we win in there, it’s crucial to have home-ice and obviously we want that for all three if it comes down to that so it’s huge.”
Coletta is excited for next week and is expecting a very similar style game. “I think it’s going to be the same style of hockey, it’s a smaller rink so it’s way more in your face, it’s fast, it’s aggressive, it’s a good environment to play in. I like going up there, the boys love it, it’s loud, it’s a cool place to play, especially when there’s a full barn and I’m sure they’ll have it next week.”
SFU netminder Lyndon Stanwood stopped 31 of 32 (.968 SV%) to help secure the win for SFU.
Final shots were 35-32 in favour of SFU.
Next-up SFU hits the road in a rematch of tonight’s game on Saturday February 24th when they visit the Castlegar Recreation Centre. The game starts at 4pm and will be available on HockeyTV.
Three Stars:
1st Star: SFU #20 Spencer Unger (1G, 0A)
2nd Star: SFU #29 Austin Adam (1G, 0A)
3rd Star: SFU #9 Mac Colasimone (0G, 1A)
