by Austin Cozicar

BURNABY, BC — Arjun Badh scored his first two career BCIHL goals, SFU had two shorthanded goals, but in the end, it wasn’t enough as SFU fell 5-4 to Trinity Western University at home.

“They outplayed us, and at the end of the day we didn’t play 60 minutes, and that’s really been what’s killing us all year so far. We should be undefeated, in my opinion,” said Badh. “We have one of the deepest lineups in the league.”

It was a rematch of last Thursday’s game, in which SFU fell 3-2 to Trinity Western in Langley. TWU jumped out to an early three goal lead in the first period, but SFU made a strong comeback effort in the final 40 minutes.

Unlike their previous matchup, SFU got the early lead Saturday night, with Badh potting his first goal of the year from Cole Plotnikoff and Kyle Bergh 6:12 into the first period.

However, Trinity Western answered back with a fury, controlling much of the pace of play in the first period, with Josh Bruce and Dustin Deugau’s goals giving TWU a 2-1 lead heading into the first intermission. The Spartans led the shot count 11-5.

The second period saw emotions rise, and a constant flow of penalties called against both teams.

With a 5-on-3 man advantage halfway through the frame, Bergh tied up the game for SFU, with assists from Trevor Ayre and Takato Cox.

However, hopes of heading into the second intermission tied were dashed when with just 10 seconds left, Elijah Vilio restored the lead for TWU, seconds after their power play ended.

Badh would tie up the game again at three with a shorthanded tally set up by Eric Callegari early in the third. But just 24 seconds later, TWU answered back with a goal on the same power play.

With 6:28 left, Callegari forced a turnover and scored another shorthanded goal to tie the game up.

Once again, the tie was not to last long, as Evan Last scored with 4:25 left to wrap up the game 5-4, despite some quality chances by SFU in the final moments of the game.

Patrick Zubick made 28 saves on 33 shots (.848 SV%). SFU had 22 shots.

“We’ve got to be way better from the get-go, we looked timid at the beginning of the game,” said head coach Mark Coletta. “[The effort] wasn’t nearly as good as last week when we played [TWU].”

This game marks the third straight loss for SFU, and second straight game without a point, as their record moves to 2-2-1.

SFU will have a chance to get back on track with a road trip to the island this weekend, playing the University of Victoria on Friday, and Vancouver Island University Saturday. SFU next plays at home Saturday, November 16 versus UVic.

Three Stars:
1st Star: TWU #9 Evan Last (1G, 1A, GWG)
2nd Star: SFU #14 Arjun Badh (2G)
3rd Star: TWU #20 Josh Bruce (1G, 2A)

AROUND THE BCIHL: SFU-TWU was the only game on tap Saturday night, but UVic put up an impressive 5-2 win versus VIU at home Friday night. Rookies led the way, with Caleb Griffin potting two goals, Keegan Durrance three assists, and Daniel Paul a 31 save (.939 SV%) win.