Weekend Preview: Vikes host SFU looking to build on offensive outburst

The University of Victoria will look to build on a big home win last weekend when Simon Fraser University visits the Ian Stewart Centre on Friday, and then avenge a pair of early season defeats to Vancouver Island University the following night in Nanaimo.

The Vikes busted out against Selkirk College last Friday, scoring seven times while receiving a big boost from the blueline with three-point nights from defenders Kyle Bird and Henry Hart.

UVic appears to have left their goal scoring woes from last season behind, as seven skaters have averaged a point-a-game or more so far in October. Bird leads the way with six in three games, while rookie forward Hayden Guilderson and veterans Landen Matechuk and Brandon Volpe have combined for 12 points up front.

Against SFU, Victoria will look to keep up that scoring pace while cutting down on the 46 shots per game they've given up on average to early season opponents. Through three games, the Vikes have rotated their three goaltenders, with Zach Wear, Michael Fredrick and Alex Dillon all having made one start. Dillon picked up the team's lone with against Selkirk, turning aside 50 shots on the night.

Meanwhile, the Clan will look to rebound from a 4-1 home loss to Trinity Western that saw the team surrender a pair of special teams goal in the final 10 minutes to put the game out of reach.

The return of forward Graham Smerek from a year away from the team has been a welcome addition for SFU, as the Fort McMurray product has picked up right where he left off as consistent offensive threat. He scored 23 points in as many games during the 2016/17 season and has three in three so far in October.

Eric Callegari and Jaret Babych have also gotten off to a hot start with a pair of goals each, but SFU will need to contributions from secondary options to get out of an early season slump that has seen them score seven goals in three games. Four of those came in a 24-minute span against Selkirk College in Castlegar.

SFU is also adjusting to the departure of longtime starting goaltender and former League MVP Lynden Stanwood. Former SIJHL standout Michael Lenko has played all but 16 minutes so far, but will look to improve upon a 5.48 goals-against average and .824 save percentage.

On Saturday, the Vikes will head up the road for their second visit to Nanaimo and will face a Vancouver Island University squad that may possess the league's deepest and most explosive offensive arsenal.

The Mariners have scored a league-high 25 goals through five games and can rely on returners like Gage Colpron and Garret Dunlop as well as talented newcomers Brett Witala and Gavin Rauser. Three-time league all-star Dallas Calvin is also heating up with seven points in his last four appearances.

VIU enters weekend play on a three-game win streak following a pair of victories over Victoria and last Saturday's 8-3 drubbing of Selkirk. The Mariners have conceded 19 goals in their five games but have also received big saves when needed from the goaltending duo of Brett Clark and Matt Huber. Clark is unbeaten in regulation through three starts and his 3.26 goals-against trails only TWU's Lucas Mills amongst BCIHL netminders.

Friday's game between SFU and Victoria is set for a 7:30 PM start, while puck drop between the Vikes and VIU on Saturday in Nanaimo will face off at 7:15 PM. Both games will be broadcast live on Hockey TV.