Brandon Tidy scored just 32 seconds into the game to help lead SFU to a 2-1 victory against the University of Victoria Vikes at the Bill Copeland Sports Centre Saturday.

“It was one of our better offensive performances, which is bizarre when you score two goals, [but] puck possession was really good in the offensive zone,” said head coach Mark Coletta. “At the end of the day, their goalie played well and limited us to two goals.”

SFU outshot the Vikes 47-27 — and in the first period alone out shot them 26-8 — but Vikes goaltender Scott Legault saved all but two shots.

Tidy’s early goal, however, marked the second straight game that SFU scored on their first shot.

“When you get the goal that early, your whole team’s uplifted,” said Tidy. “You always want to start the game off strong and what’s better than scoring a goal.”

SFU dominated the pace of play for much of the first period, but a wrist shot from UVIC forward Wolfgang Schoenefuhs just over midway through the period tied the game 1-1.

Tyler Basham, who now leads SFU in goals with 10 and is third in BCIHL goals scored, would score the game winner with 7:42 left in the second period.

Tidy appeared to have his second of the night on the power play, shortly before the second period ended, but the net was dislodged and it was called a no goal.

SFU’s defence — particularly in the final minutes of the third period — had a stranglehold on puck possession and kept UVIC from getting back in the game.

“We did a really good job of getting the pucks deep and forechecking hard and working the cycle, then when they did get it in our zone, our D weren’t scared at all,” said Tidy.

Jordan Liem made 26 out of 27 saves (.927 SV%).

The victory marks SFU’s seventh straight win and puts them in first place atop the BCIHL standings, one point ahead of the reigning BCIHL champions, the Selkirk College Saints.

“The guys are working really hard — there’s a good vibe in the room,” said Coletta.

This Friday, the Clan travel to Victoria for a rematch against the Vikes.

“Next week’s a tough game. We go to UVIC in a small rink and they play totally different over there. Our guys have to adapt really quick, so it’s going to take a period to figure that out,” Coletta explained.

Puck drop is at 7:30 pm and can be streamed can be streamed live on FAST Hockey. Follow @SFUHockey for live updates.

Three Stars:

3rd Star: SFU #53 Brandon Tidy (1G)

2nd Star: SFU #19 Tyler Basham (1G)

1st Star: UVIC #30 Scott Legault (.957 SV%)