The Sooke Bantam C Thunderbirds won handily Saturday night at SEAPARC over the Saanich Braves C3 team. The final score after 59.30 of play was 8-2. The Thunderbirds shot the puck on the net 29 times, while the Braves were stopped by goaltender Max Clouser 35 times. The Braves scored both goals in the second period, including a picture-perfect deflection when the Thunderbirds were shorthanded by two men. The roaring Thunderbirds, led by coach Harry Strain, dished out multiple slapshots, one of which broke the stick of the 11-year-old goalie who was called up to serve in the net as the Brave’s usual starter sat out with a pulled groin.
Dreyden Alexander scored 3 goals for a hat trick. Other goal scorers included Ayden Ostropolski, Sheldon Kelley, Kiara Taylor, Aiden Goluch and Garret Chiasson with one goal each. Points for assists were scored by Kieren Connor (4), Marco Carello (3), Sheldon Kelley (1) and Dreyden Alexander (1). Penalties were minimal, with 8 minutes for the Thunderbirds and 2 minutes for the Braves. Fine defensive efforts were put forth by Kieren Connor, Garret Chiasson, Leif Norquay-Pahl, Brad Staciu, Brad Angus and Zach Lindal to hold the Braves scoreless in two of the three periods. The Sooke Bantam C Thunderbirds remain undefeated in regular season play this season.
