Working out the kinks for the W

2010-05-21

Rookie goalie Neil Tyacke started in the nets for the Rocks, and Kevin Crosswell stepped in between the pipes for the Thunder.  Both netminders would be tested early and often.  The two teams combined for a total of 33 shots in the first period, with the one goal edge going to Langley.  Not surprisingly, the teams went to the first break tied at 4.  Curt Morwick and Matt Lyons each had a pair of goals to march the pace of the Thunder. The teams regrouped and hit the floor with intent in the second period.  The middle frame also saw 8 goals scored, and a goalie switch at 9:15 of the period with Matt Flindell taking up duty between the pipes.  Exerting increasing control of the game in the second, the Rocks fired 18 shots at Crosswell, the Thunder finding the range for 13 shots.  The Rocks made the difference count, outscoring the Thunder 6 to 2 in the middle frame.  The Rocks opened the period with a three goal run, with Tyler Hass, Kory Kowalyk and the third goal of the game from Lyons being entered on the scoresheet.  The Rocks also closed the period with three goals, the hat trick from Curt Morwick, and the first each from Dean Hill and Rhys Duch.  The teams went to the room with the Rocks holding a 10 to 6 lead. Langley was not going to give up the two points without a fight, and came out flying to start the third period with a goal at 2:32.  At this point, Victoria needed to put a stamp on the game to stifle a comeback.  That stamp came in the form of a 3 goal run that provided the necessary breathing room.  Three different marksmen found the range; Matt Yager, Michael Pires and Jeff Shattler doing the honours.  Now up 13 to 7 at the 7:36 mark, the Rocks prepared to absorb a last ditch onslaught from the Thunder.  The all-out Langley assault did find twine to cut the deficit in half, but by limiting the damage to 3 goals, the Rocks headed back to the Pitt Meadows airport with two points in the bag. The Rocks next game is on Friday May 21st, at Bear Mountain with the New Westminster Salmonbellies providing the opposition in a battle for first place.  Both teams are 2 and 0, with the Bellies getting the edge for first place on goal difference.  Game time is 7:45.

By Frank Greenlay