One night after surrendering seven goals in a 7-4 pre-season setback, the Trinity Western Spartans hockey team bounced back in a big way, scoring a 9-1 decision.
Both games were over the weekend in Seattle against the Washington Huskies.
Staying out of penalty trouble was key.
“We were allowed to play tonight, which allowed us to really take control of the game and get stronger as the game went on,” said Spartans coach Dwayne Lowdermilk.
“The boys moved the puck very well and we stuck to a disciplined game and stayed out of the penalty box.”
In Saturday’s rematch, the teams were tied at one after 20 minutes, but the Spartans opened the floodgates to score eight more times.
Brandon Long led the way with four goals, while Benson Wu and Trevor Beaupre popped in two apiece. Kyle Benjaminsen had one goal.
John-Paul Chapman played the full 60 minutes.
“JP had a very confident game for us,” Lowdermilk said.
The victory was in stark contrast to the night before where the Spartans tallied 60 minutes in penalties, compared to having only 25 seconds of power play time themselves.
“Tonight’s game will be a conversation piece for years to come,” Lowdermilk said.
“It was great for our guys to pull together in a situation out of our control.
“But no excuses, we still lost the game.”
Benjaminsen scored twice while Ian Spencer and Chris Hirano had a goal apiece.
Goaltender Tim Zwiers faced 50 shots.
The Spartans open the B.C. Intercollegiate Hockey League season on Saturday (Oct. 8) against SFU in Burnaby.
