Despite their goaltender standing on his head, the Langley Trappers were unable to generate any offence and are heading home for the off-season.
The Trappers lost 1-0 in double overtime on Monday night at the George Preston Recreation Centre in game four of the team’s best-of-seven playoff series against the Abbotsford Pilots.
Keaton Dyck made 52 saves before Cameron Obcena finally solved the Langley goaltender, ending the game after more than 75 minutes of scoreless hockey.
The first-year Trappers finished 14 points behind the Pilots during the regular season, taking third place in the PJHL’s Harold Brittain Conference.
Langley was out-shot 53-25 in game four but for the second straight game, could not get a puck past Pilots’ goalie Gunnar Nielsen, who was also perfect in game three’s 5-0 victory.
And game three was the only lopsided score of the series as Abbotsford won game one 2-1 and game two 5-3.
But a lack of offence did in the expansion Trappers.
“Four goals in four games isn’t going to be enough,” said Langley coach and general manager Burt Henderson. “(But) it’s the playoffs, things tighten up.”
Nicholas Wagner led Langley with three assists.
Henderson said it was a tough way to lose, especially with their goaltending having a near-perfect night.
“When (Keaton’s) dialed in, he is one of the best in the league,” the coach said.
Despite losing in four games, Henderson liked his team’s battle.
“But you have to give (Abbotsford) credit, that is a pretty good team over there,” he said.
And while their season ended earlier than the team wanted, Henderson did say it was a good learning experience for a team which was comprised of primarily players new to the league.
“For most of these kids, it definitely was a learning experience,” he said about being in a best-of-seven playoff format.
Wright top Pilot
Baylee Wright, a 19-year-old from Langley who led the PJHL in regular season scoring, was also the top performer in round one, notching seven points in three games.
The Pilots will face the winner of the Ridge Meadows/Aldergrove series in the Harold Brittain Conference finals.
gary ahuja
