TRU draws with Red Deer College in first game at SAIT Eyeopener tourney

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The Thompson Rivers University WolfPack Hockey got a solid goaltending performance from Chris Solecki as they opened up a four-team exhibition tournament in Calgary with a tie.

The Burns Lake, BC Native stopped 37 of 39 shots as the WolfPack tied the Red Deer College Kings of the Alberta College Athletic Conference 2-2. The tournament is being hosted by the SAIT Trojans.

"Chris was definitely the difference for us," said WolfPack head coach Don Schulz. "He made the save of the game in the third period as he went post to post with a split save."

The WolfPack got a goal in the first period from former Merritt Centennials forward Sylvan Harper. Travis Herelein drew the assist. The teams were tied at 1-1 after 20 minutes, but TRU took the lead in the second period when Calgary native Josh MacDonald scored his first of the weekend with Duncan Schulz and Colton Schell drawing the assists.

"Our special teams were OK in this one," Coach Schulz explained. "We were 2/8 with the man advantage and killed seven of eight penalties. We had some glorious chances including four breakaways but couldn’t capitalize. The game had good pace."

The WolfPack will close out the tournament tomorrow with a game against the host Trojans. Steven Wolff will get the call in goal for TRU who open their 2013-14 BC Intercollegiate regular season next Friday in Victoria.

Their home opener is Friday October 4th against the Trinity Western Spartans. Game time at Memorial Arena is 8:30 PM.