Photo Credit: Garrett James
With an all-around team effort, the SFU Men’s Hockey Team exploded offensively with a 11-1 victory over the Eastern Washington University Eagles Saturday night.
“I thought it was a really good effort. Our guys moved their feet, they came out with some energy,” said head coach Mark Coletta. “Guys were scoring all over the ice. They weren’t just shooting just to shoot, they were actually head up, picking shots.”
Nine different players scored a goal for SFU, while 14 players were credited with a point. It was SFU’s highest scoring game since a 12-1 result in October 2012. This also marks the first time that SFU has scored goals in the double digits twice in a season since the 2012/13 season.
Daniell Lange opened the scoring just 25 seconds in, with a helper from Scott Patterson. It was Lange’s third consecutive game with a goal.
“Daniell’s playing with a lot of confidence. He’s got a real good shot and we want to make sure he’s in the right positions, in the right spot in the lineup to succeed,” said Coletta. “Anytime he’s in the scoring area, he’s dangerous.”
Adam Callegari and Jaret Babych led the charge with two goals each, while Mathew Berry-Lamontagna had four points, including a goal in the third period.
Brandon Tidy, Graham Smerek, Mak Barden, Robert Izsak, and Mitch Crisanti all picked up goals. Sam Chatterley, Ryker Moreau, Darnel St Pierre, and Spencer Unger were credited with assists as well.
Eastern Washington’s lone goal came in the beginning of the third period, courtesy of former Kamloops Blazer Uriah Machuga.
The Clan were deadly on the power play, going five for seven (71.4%) with the man advantage. Jordan Liem was nearly perfect, making 29 saves on 30 shots (.967 SV%). The Clan had 52 shots.
The victory puts SFU in first place with a 6-1-1 record, one point ahead of Trinity Western, and one point ahead of Selkirk College with a game in hand.
SFU achieved the victory despite a shortened bench. Brendan Lamont and Jayden Piattelli were both assessed game misconducts early in the game, while Chatterley and Zack Klebaum both came out of the game due to injury. Chatterley and Klebaum will be gametime decisions for tonight’s game.
“They’re going to come out playing tough. They have pride, they’re a good hockey team,” said Coletta of tonight’s rematch. “We’ve got to make sure we match the intensity.”
Lyndon Stanwood is expected to get the start in net.
The game will be live streamed on FASTHockey. Puck drop is at 5 pm.
AROUND THE BCIHL: Jamey Kreller scored twice to lead the Trinity Western Spartans to a 6-0 victory over the University of Victoria in an early afternoon game Saturday. Spartans backup Lucas Mills was perfect in his second start of the season, making 30 saves.
