Lac la Hache Tomahawks had a one-and-one weekend with the Williams Lake Stampeders Nov. 18-19, starting with a 5-3 home-ice win on Friday night at the Rolf Zeis Memorial Arena.
Stampeders took an early lead with a goal by Jared Kohlen, but Tomahawks Robin Gilbert answered back within minutes to even the score. Stampeders took the lead again to end the first period 2-1.
The Tomahawks owned the second period with three goals, including one apiece by Gilbert, Kelly William and Wade Balbirnie.
Tye Moses fired in another T-hawk goal 22 seconds into the third period to contribute to the victory.
Tomahawks coach Al Navrot says he saw a strong team effort that night.
“Their intensity level was high and Kelly William played a really strong game. He hasn’t been playing that long and things are starting to come together for him.”
Jeremy Zelt was named Tomahawks player of the game. “He comes to play all the time and he puts everything on the line,” says Navrot.
“His effort is always inspiring. It’s hard to find guys like him.”
On Saturday night in Williams Lake, the Stampeders made the most of a home-ice advantage to beat the Tomahawks 5-2 in a rematch.
Stampeders Matt Lees opened the scoring 36 seconds into the first frame and the T-hawks responded with a penalty streak that would cost them three power-play goals over the course of the game.
Top line Tomahawks forwards Tye Moses and Ron Gilbert were the team contributors with one goal apiece. Moses scored late in the first period and Gilbert’s marker came halfway through the third frame.
Despite the outcome, Navrot says his boys played well enough to win.
“They were up against more adversity but they worked their way through it. They never quit working from beginning to end.
They’ve made giant steps since their first game with the Stamps.”
That first season match on Oct. 1 ended in a lop-sided 14-5 Stampeders win.
Tomahawks player of the game was Dedrick Alec who Navrot labels as skilled and consistent.
“He’s a big man, and a quiet man who walks soft, but carries a big stick.”
The Tomahawks look forward to another couple of home-ice games with Omineca, Dec. 3 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 4 at 1 p.m., both at the Rolf Zeis Memorial Arena.
