The Courtenay Whalers tamed the Campbell River Wildcats 9-4 in Oct. 22 women’s hockey action at Sports Centre #2.
The Whalers’ third straight win keeps them undefeated in season play. Saturday’s tilt was a rematch: the last game between the two teams in Campbell River saw the Whalers overwhelm the Wildcats 13-4.
The Whalers knew to expect a different opponent here at home.
Campbell River struck first and fast, scoring less than one minute into play when a puck was redirected off a Whalers’ skate. The Whalers bounced back, scoring three minutes later on a breakaway by Daris Tendler, then added four more goals before the end of the first period.
In the second period, the Wildcats fought hard along the boards, passed more and created many opportunities to score, but just couldn’t capitalize on plays.
The Whalers scored again on a breakaway, but Campbell River came back a couple of minutes later and found the back of the net on a breakaway and again on a two-on-none to make it 7-3.
In the final frame, both teams battled hard and the goaltenders were busy. A Wildcat forward sneaked past the Courtenay defence, and although centre Josée Bureau stopped her, the play resulted in a penalty shot.
The strong Campbell River forward taking the penalty shot failed in her attempt to score. The Whalers scored next, and going into the final three minutes of play the Wildcats hit the scoresheet again to narrow the lead.
The Whalers answered back by scoring in the last minute of play on another breakaway to make the final 9-4.
The Whalers head to Nanaimo this Friday night to meet the Nanaimo Intermediate team. They host the Nanaimo House team on Sunday, Oct. 30 at 11:45 a.m. at Sports Centre #2.
ICE CHIPS The Whalers thank their team sponsors, Brian McLean Chevrolet Buick GMC Limited, and Stinson Aerial Services Inc., for their continued support … Jody Lennox and Jess Sekulich thank their player sponsor Courtenay Motorsport … the Whalers are a female hockey team based out of the Comox Valley Sports Centre accepting all levels of players aged 18 or older … for more information check their Facebook page by searching Courtenay Whalers Women’s Hockey or website courtenaywhalers.wordpress.com …