Photo Credit: Garrett James

It was a frustrating ending for a team that dominated large portions of play.

The SFU Men’s Hockey Team controlled the pace of play in the first and third periods, but could only find the back of the net once. In the end, SFU walked out with only one point after falling 2-1 in the shootout.

“The first period, we did a really good job, I thought the third period we did an excellent job, but that second period was probably one of the worst periods I’ve seen our guys play in a while,” said head coach Mark Coletta. “But the silverlining is that they battled back in that third period, and really did a number, just couldn’t put the puck in the back of the net.”

SFU came out to a quick start. With some early pressure, Daniell Lange drew a penalty just 19 seconds in, giving the Clan their first of seven power plays. While the power play did not result in a goal, SFU created some good chances and put up some of their chances after the man advantage ended. SFU were able to jump out to 6-0 lead in shots.

On the third power play attempt, SFU took the lead. Brendan Lamont from behind the net made a perfectly placed pass to Jesse Mysiorek, who was able to just shoot the puck in the empty net for his fifth of the season — his third consecutive game with a goal and his second straight power play goal. Adam Callegari also picked up an assist.

SFU went into the intermission with an 11-6 lead in shots.

Trinity Western’s Evan Last tied the game 5:12 into the second period, shortly after an unsuccessful SFU power play opportunity. Trinity Western finished the second period outshooting SFU 11-9.

Jaret Babych nearly had the game winner in the final minute of play in the third, but it hit the post.

Trinity Western came out strong in overtime, and were able to draw a penalty. Despite some dangerous shots, they were unable to score in extra time, and the game went to shootout.

The Clan’s three shooters — Scott Patterson, Babych, and Mathew Berry-Lamontagna — were unsuccessful. The second Spartan attempt — by Florian Neidermaier — beat Jordan Liem, and Trinity Western didn’t need to make a third shot.

Liem made 26 saves on 27 shots (.963 SV%), while SFU outshot Trinity Western 32-27. SFU went one for seven (14.3%) on the power play.

Defenceman Robson Cramer made his 2016/17 regular season debut after missing the first 15 games with an eye injury sustained in the preseason.

“It’s good to see him back,” said Coletta. “We’ll ease him back in, and get him some game time and see how he feels, [. . .] it’s going to take some time for him to get back into game shape.”

Trinity Western was missing BCIHL goal scoring leader Jarrett Fontaine, who had also missed the previous game, as well as veteran forward Jamey Kreller, who had been injured in the game prior.

SFU will rematch Trinity Western in their first home game of 2017 this Saturday. The winner will achieve a first place spot in the BCIHL standings. SFU currently has the lead with 24 points and a 11-3-2 record, but the Spartans are just one point back and have a game in hand. Goaltender Lyndon Stanwood will get the start.

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

Three Stars:
1st Star: TWU #9 Evan Last (1G, 0A)
2nd Star: TWU #94 Florian Neidermaier (SOG)
3rd Star: SFU #8 Jesse Mysiorek (1G, 0A)