It isn’t often you hear the term Texas Hat Trick used, because it isn’t often you have a single player score four goals in one game.
That’s what happened Saturday, Feb. 17 at Glacier Gardens Arena when Daris Tendler of the Comox Valley Breakers lit the lamp four times en route to a 5-2 win over the Port Alberni Panthers.
Tendler scored early in the first period after receiving a flawless pass from Briana Forberg. Two minutes later while on the penalty kill, Forberg somehow managed to find the back of the net with a low hard shot from the corner that snuck past goaltender Denise Kowsloski.
Kowsloski stood on her head, stopping shot after shot as the Breakers looked for any opportunity to score. Once again Tendler wowed the crowd, scoring unassisted, giving the Breakers a 3-0 lead. The momentum shifted after a quick turnover on the Panthers blue line. Julia Lloyd broke out down the ice on a 3-on-1 and hit the low outside corner to end the first period as well as the Breakers shutout.
As the intensity continued into the second period, the Panthers cycled the puck around the Breakers end. Lesley France sent a direct pass from the point to Marinka Kurucz who quickly one-timed it over Lesia Wick’s glove hand. With a score of 3-2 and only three minutes left in the second period, Tendler scored her third goal of the game. But she didn’t stop there. Scoring the only goal in the third period, Tendler accomplished the rare Texas Hat Trick with her fourth goal, assisted by Forberg and Kim Penney.
The Breakers were made up of a strong mix of veteran players and newcomers. This combination created the perfect occasion for the team to put on a tremendous game for spectators and players alike.
For more information about upcoming games or how to get involved with women’s hockey in the Valley, contact cvbreakersinfo@gmail.com