SFU tops Trinity Western by 9-4 score in BCIHL preseason opener

Simon Fraser University jumped into the win column and Trinity Western got their first look at a promising group of freshmen as the teams faced off in the first preseason match-up between BCIHL teams on Saturday night at the Bill Copeland Sports Centre with SFU getting the best of a 9-4 score.

The Spartans opened the scoring on a pair of quick goals from Sam Gemmell and Brandon Long, but it didn't take the Clan long to respond, as Jono Ceci, Colton Graf and Tony Oak, with two, gave SFU a 4-2 lead at the intermission.

SFU continued to pounce on their offensive opportunities in the second period, with Bill Smith, Oak and Joey Pavone extending the lead. Kye Benjaminsen replied for TWU with a fine solo effort, beating goaltender Evan Kurylo with a nifty forehand deke.

Trent Murdoch and Ceci tallied for SFU in the third period, while Brandon Long notched his second goal of the night for the visitors.

Ceci and Oak each finished the game with three goals and an assist in their SFU home debuts, while Benjaminsen scored three points in his first taste of BCIHL action.

Kurylo collected the win in goal with a 17-save effort, while Tim Zwiers and JP Chapman split netminding duties for Trinity Western and combined to stop 36 of 45 shots.