Ryan Graham, Observer Reporter
The Quesnel Kangaroos were back in action Dec. 17 when they faced off against the Williams Lake Stampeders in an entertaining contest, which saw the Kangaroos come away with the 8-5 victory. Coming into the game the Kangaroos knocked off the division leaders at home, which was their first loss on home ice this season.
Quesnel would jump all over the Stampeders in the first as they scored a total of six in the period to take the commanding lead. It would be Ryan Hanes who would get the Kangaroos on the board first as he wired a shot past the Williams Lake goaltender, collecting the crucial first goal. After scoring the first of the game Quesnel would keep the pressure on as Justin Fulton would pounce on a rebound to put the Kangaroos up two. Knowing they had to swing the momentum back in their favour, Williams Lake would control possession in Quesnel’s zone but couldn’t cash in as Shane Mainprize would make a number of saves to keep their lead intact.
After weathering the Stampeders attack Quesnel would go on the offence as Tommy Grant would create a turnover and take it the other way on a breakaway, to beat Williams Lake’s goaltender up high. Minutes later it would once again be Grant who would increase Quesnel’s lead, scoring his second of the game. The onslaught would continue for the Kangaroos as Derek Knowles would join his teammates on the scoresheet, putting home two of his own.
With the period coming to a close the Stampeders would finally get on the board as they would put one by Mainprize, but not before surrendering six goals in the period. The intensity would pick up in the second as both teams came out delivering big hits, trying to get the momentum on their side.
After scoring a late first period goal the Stampeders would get some confidence in their game as they scored three straight to chip away at Quesnel’s lead. Alessio Tomassetti would get the Kangaroos back on track though as he scored a shorthanded marker to swing the momentum back in Quesnel’s favour. After giving up the goal, Williams Lake would get back on the offence as they scored to pull within three but Curtis Gassoff would make sure there would be no comeback on this night as he scored to put the game out of reach.
The Kangaroos next game is Jan. 7, 2017 at the Twin Arenas when they face off against the Stampeders. Puck drop is at 7:30 p.m.
