After an unbelievable run stretching back to October when they earned at least a single point in every game, the Aldergrove Kodiaks finally saw their lengthy streak come to an end with a 2-1 loss to the Richmond Sockeyes.
The defeat on Jan. 2 at the Richmond Arena was the first time since Oct. 12 the Kodiaks failed to register at least a point, a span of 21 games (18-0-1-2).
The junior B hockey teams were tied at one midway through the third period — with Richmond’s Trevor Lima on a power play, and Aldergrove’s Kodi Schwarz trading goals — but Liam Lawson potted the winner with just over eight minutes to play.
Jordan Liem made 33 saves in the defeat, earning him the game’s third star, and this came the night after he made 22 saves on 23 shots in a 3-1 victory over the Ridge Meadows Flames at the Aldergrove Arena.
Stephen Ryan potted a pair — he leads the league with 30 goals and 60 points in 32 games — while Elvis Jansons had the other. Ryan’s first goal was unassisted and his second goal was helped by Robert Jang. Brandon Dolby and Aaron Markin assisted Jansons.
The Flames closed the scoring that night on a power play by Michael Bell.
Ryan was the game’s first star, and Aaron Markin and Joshua Cronin were second and third stars, respectively.
Interesting statistics: Kodiaks Stephen Ryan and Kenny Prato have 10 power play goals each and they are one shy of tying Travis Gorman’s record of 11 for the Kodiaks back in the 2008-’09 season. Gorman got 60 points in the 2008-09 season, with 23 goals and 37 assists. Ryan has 60 points with 30 goals, 30 assists, and is tied for second for most points in a season. The Kodiaks player with the most points in a season is Thomas Hardy, with 73 in the 2011-12 season, but Ryan is only three points away from tying for most goals in a season.
With the split, the Kodiaks continue to lead the Pacific Junior Hockey League with a record of 24-5-1-2 and 51 points.
The team’s next game is Jan. 8 when they host the Mission City Outlaws at the Aldergrove Arena.
