A lacklustre start cost the Aldergrove Kodiaks dearly in the opening round of the PJHL playoffs against the Abbotsford Pilots, Feb. 17 at Aldergrove Arena.
A late rally by the Kodiaks almost tied up the game in the final period but it was not close enough as the Pilots soared to a 4-3 victory.
Kodiaks keeper Ben Giesbrecht was exemplary in stopping 29 of the Pilots’ 33 shots, including two 5-3 man advantages for the Pilots in the second period, although the Pilots eventually scored on the second power play.
Kodiaks captain Aaron Markin scored on two power plays in the second and third periods, assisted by Evan Cusmano, Quinncy Leroux (2), and Joshua Poitras.
Kodiaks defender Eric Wieking scored in the dying minutes of the third period, assisted by Scott McHaffie.
The teams play game 2 tonight at Aldergrove Arena, Feb. 18, 7:15 p.m.
Aldergrove Kodiaks captain Aaron Markin (#10) scored a pair of goals in game 1 of the opening round of PJHL playoffs, Feb. 17 at Aldergrove Arena. -Harry Hunt phot
