The Courtenay Whalers women’s hockey team has been tearing up the ice with two big wins on the road early this season.
The Whalers defeated the Comox Breakers on Oct. 1 at Glacier Gardens in Comox and dominated the Campbell River Wildcats on Oct. 16 in Campbell River.
On Oct. 1 the Whalers met old rivals the Breakers in busy scoring game. Jess Sekulich scored the first goal during the first period and followed that momentum with scoring the second with a pass from Ashley Abraham.
Bert Churchill scored the third, assisted by Josee Bureau. Hayley Henderson scored the fourth, unassisted. Lindsay Risk found the back of the net after a three-way play with assists from Tera Kasubuchi and Ashley Abraham.
Churchill found the back of the net again with another assist from Bureau. The Breakers capitalized on three breakaways during the game. Great passing during an intense but clean game brought the Whalers on top for a final score of 6-3.
Heading up the valley to Campbell River, the Whalers met the Wildcats Oct. 16 on their home ice. Unfortunately home ice wasn’t an advantage for the Wildcats, as the Whalers dominated the scoreboard with a big win of 13-4.
The visitors opened the scoring early in the first period and eventually ended the period at 6-0. Whalers again opened the scoring in the second period, but soon surrendered three unanswered goals by the Wildcats. There were a couple of great end-to-end rushes by both teams, but in the end Campbell River just couldn’t move out of their defensive zone.
Courtenay goals and assists were: Daris Tendler 4 goals and 2 assists, Jackie Beek 3 goals and 1 assist, Jess Sekulich (Courtenay Motorsport) 2 goals and 3 assists, Tera Kasubuchi 2 goals and 1 assist, Josee Bureau 1 goal and 2 assists, Allison Abraham 1 goal and 1 assist, Lynn Slaby 3 assists, Ashley Abraham 2 assists, Leanne Morrison 2 assists and Kelly Roloff and Lindsay Risk with an assist each. Goaltender Taylor Buell played a solid game in net.
Whalers will meet the Wildcats again this coming weekend on Oct. 22 at 5:30 p.m. here in Courtenay at Sports Centre #2.
The Whalers team has grown again this year, averaging 20 players on the ice at practice and a full bench for games, resulting in each full time player having to be a healthy scratch at least one game this year due to roster size.
The Whalers have a strong, committed and fun team for this season, and are sure to capitalize on it in regular game and tournament action.
The Courtenay Whalers would like to thank their team sponsors, Brian McLean Chevrolet Buick GMC Limited, and Stinson Aerial Ltd. for their continued support for the 2016-2017 hockey season. As well Jess Sekulich and Jody Lennox thank their player sponsor Courtenay Motorsport.
For more information on the Whalers, check their Facebook page by searching Courtenay Whalers Women’s Hockey or visit their website courtenaywhalers.wordpress.com