In their only visit to Golden this season, the Spokane Braves managed to get under the skin of the Golden Rockets.
Fresh off a big win last weekend, the Rockets struggled right out of the gate on Saturday night’s game. They were forced to battle from behind after letting in a power play goal less than three minutes into play.
“After the first three shifts I knew we were in trouble,” said Head Coach Ty Davidson.
Golden’s top line tied it up, also on the power play, when Keith Wake scored off of Darren Andre and Kyle Garcia. The teams each tallied one more goal before the end of the period, Andre scoring unassisted for the Rockets.
Also during the first period, Braves’ Head Coach Mike Bay was ejected from the bench after he threw a water bottle onto the ice, in the direction of the referee.
“That particular coach I’ve seen him thrown out of several games. I mean, I’ve been thrown out of a game before, so it happens,” said Davidson.
The second period was scoreless, leaving the teams still tied at 2-2 after 40 minutes.
It took the Braves less than a minute to open up the scoring in the third period. They put the final nail in the coffin at 3:35 with a power play goal from Thomas McNevin, for a 4-2 win over the Rockets.
“I didn’t like where our mindset was,” said Davidson.
“We weren’t smart tonight, and I don’t think our work ethic was very good. The list was long, but I wasn’t happy with that game at all. From start to finish.
“Up until tonight, we were feeling good about ourselves all week. I don’t know how you go from playing a phenomenal game like we did last Sunday, to putting out an effort like this. It just wasn’t good enough.”
The Rockets played at home Tuesday Jan. 17 against the Kimberley Dynamiters. Check thegoldenstar.net for results.
The Rockets also play two home games this weekend, against the Nelson Leafs on Friday Jan. 20, and against the Chase Heat on Saturday Jan. 21. Both games are at 7:30 p.m.
