In the most exciting game of the season the team played their best game of the year in a 4-4 tie vs Juan de Fuca 4A at Seaparc last Saturday night.
Although the boys were shot out, the play was competitive and equal with end-to-end action, and a lot of battles at mid-ice and on the boards.
Alex Kozinka was outstanding in net, making numerous saves to keep the team in the game.
In the first period Juan de Fuca scored first followed by Sooke’s Grant Gilbertson, who tied the game.
The Thunderbirds took the lead with a goal by Tait Bishop but then fell behind 3-2. By the third period it was 4-3 for the visitors and with one minute to play, the Thunderbirds down a man killing a penalty.
Coach Knowles pulled the goalie for an extra attacker.
After some mid-ice battles, the Thunderbirds gained the offensive zone where Jack Price sniped the tying goal to the cheers and whistles of the Sooke faithful.
Then an additional three minutes was put on the clock for an over-time dual, which saw both teams have their chances.
In the end, it was a 4-4 tie and both teams enjoyed the ovation and cheers from both sides of the stands.
Key supporting plays and battles won were made by Beau Hicks, Ethan Schwartz, Luke Arden, Jordan English and Owen Phipps.
Sunday morning the team was on the road to face Juan de Fuca 4B, the same team previously reported to be near the top of the Novice 4 tier.
The last two meetings saw them handing our boys two stiff losses, but this day our team gave them everything they could handle.
Playing inspired hockey our team narrowly lost by a score of 8-6.
Kozinka made numerous saves again as the team played aggressive and hard.
Price scored three times for a hat trick with supporting fire power from Gilbertson, Arden and Connor Keys.
The team rests now for the spring break then finishes up the year in a round robin tournament at Victoria Racquet Club where they endeavour to be a force to be reckoned with.
