The Saanich Braves (5-2-1) moved into first place in the South division of the Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League over the weekend after handing the undefeated Victoria Cougars (5-1) their first loss of the season, 4-2 on Friday. The Braves then tied the Kerry Park Islanders 3-3 on Saturday.
Riley Mathieson was outstanding for the Braves on Friday, earning the first star in the win over the Cougars at Pearkes Arena. Mathieson stopped 43 of 45 shots while the Braves managed four goals on just 16 shots.
Down 1-0, the Braves scored three straight from Brandon Fushimi, Dale McCabe and Cam Kovesdi. Captain Jack Rachwalski scored the empty netter. The Braves managed to keep the Cougars’ top two scorers, Cody Hodges and Dom Kolbeins, to a total of one assist.
On Saturday the Braves fell behind 3-0 in the first two periods at the Islanders’ Mill Bay Arena. Jordan Parmar, Thomas Sercombe and Quinn Miller all scored in the third to tie the game.
Braves goalie Bryce Schiebel saved 38 of 41 shots.
The Westshore Wolves (2-4) visit the Braves, 6:30 p.m. Friday at Pearkes Arena.
reporter@saanichnews.com
