A three-day trek to Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast did not go as well as hoped for the Langley Rivermen.
The junior A hockey club picked up just a single point over the course of the three road games against a trio of the BCHL’s top six teams.
The Rivermen’s record fell to 4-9-3-1 and 12 points, which puts them in fifth place in the Mainland Division.
“We were obviously not happy about getting only one point,” said Langley coach Bobby Henderson.
Langley opened the road trip with a solid showing in Victoria, outshooting the Grizzlies 39-27, but losing 4-2. The teams were tied at one midway through the second but Victoria closed the period with a pair of goals and after Max Kaufman pulled the visitors within one, the Grizzlies iced it with an empty-netter.
Brendan Budy had the other Rivermen goal.
Kaufman, Ryan Barrow and Cameron Ginnetti potted the goals the next night against Cowichan Valley, with the latter two coming on the power play. But it would be the Capitals picking up the extra point after scoring in double overtime.
Henderson felt his team played solid the first night and likely deserved a better fate on Saturday, after battling back to pull even on the scoreboard.
And after playing a pair of tight games — and hitting the ice for the third time in less than 72 hours — the Rivermen fell behind 3-0 after one period in what would be a 5-1 loss to the Powell River Kings.
Powell River would add a goal in both the second and third periods before Nicholas Ponak got the Rivermen on the board with 6:03 to play.
“We looked like a tired team,” Henderson said.
“We made several mental mistakes early that ended up in the back of our net.
“The reality of our league this year, more than ever, is that your mistakes will be exposed.”
Langley was outshot 56-26 in the contest with Bo Didur stopping 27 of 31 shots in the first 33 minutes while Braedon Fleming came on in relief and made 24 saves on 25 shots.
The Rivermen look to get back on track when they host the Surrey Eagles on Saturday (Oct. 29) at the George Preston Recreation Centre.
Puck drop is 6 p.m.
