NANAIMO, BC — Ten different players found their way on the scoresheet as the SFU Men’s Hockey Team used their speed to beat the Vancouver Island Mariners 8-1 Saturday night.

“We played an unselfish game,” said head coach Mark Coletta. “Our team speed was fully a facet in tonight’s game, we attacked the zone with speed, which was a big thing backing their D off. I just think we had some confidence going into tonight.”

Mak Barden and Mac Colasimone found some chemistry together and led the team with four and three points respectively.

A fast-paced first period saw four goals scored and 23 shots between the two teams.

SFU opened with three straight goals. Ryker Moreau put up the first tally on the board just 36 seconds in, his first of the year.

Jaret Babych found time and space at 6:31 in, and unleashed a pure snipe to put SFU up 2-0, with helpers from Colasimone and Barden.

Just two seconds after a 5-on-3 man advantage ended, Daniell Lange fed Mathew Berry-Lamontagna the puck, who finished with a bomb of a shot to score on the power play with 7:32 left in the frame. Barden again collected the secondary assist.

Vancouver Island, who outshot SFU 12-11 in the first, put one on the board before the period ended.

SFU picked up right where they started in the second period, continuing to drive offence. Tyler Basham scored top shelf from a drop pass by Colasimone to make it 4-1. Then, 38 seconds later Brendan Lamont redirected Berry-Lamontagna’s shot to make it 5-1, with Barden also receiving an assist.

Lange’s power play goal from Darnel St Pierre rounded out the period at 6-1 for SFU.

SFU found two more goals in the third period. Babych potted his second of the night with a one-timer from the slot nearly four minutes in. Braxton Bilous closed out the scoring with his first career goal on the power play with 1:10 left, with Colasimone and Barden picking up assists.

Despite the high scoring, Lyndon Stanwood still had to be strong in net, making 29 saves on 30 shots (.967 SV%). SFU outshot VIU 32-30.

The power play, which has been an area of concern for SFU, came alive, with three of the night’s goals coming on the man advantage.

With the win, SFU continued a four-game winning streak and solidified their third place spot in the standings with a 5-2-0 record.

They will have a chance to challenge for second place this Thursday at the Langley Events Centre against Trinity Western, who sit with two more points and two more games played. Then, SFU returns home Saturday night to take on the undefeated Selkirk College Saints.

For Saturday’s home game at the Bill Copeland Sports Centre, tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students and seniors, and free for children under 6 or for SFU students with valid ID. The games will also be streamed live on HockeyTV. Puck drop is at 7 pm for both games.

Three Stars:
1st Star: SFU #1 Lyndon Stanwood (29 Saves, .967 SV%)
2nd Star: SFU #9 Mac Colasimone (0G, 3A)
3rd Star: VIU #11 Ryan Friesen (0G, 0A)

AROUND THE BCIHL: Eastern Washington had a one-goal lead coming out of the first period, but allowed three straight goals to fall 3-1 to Trinity Western at home. Trinity Western’s Kenny Batke put up two goals. Eastern Washington’s Tanner Loucks put up a solid performance in net, stopping 49 of 52 shots (.942 SV%).