Selkirk College made their presence known at Kamloops Memorial Arena in a first place battle on Friday night, defeating Thompson Rivers University by a score of 3-1.
The WolfPack opened up the scoring in the first period with their lone goal of the game from Alex Martin. Josh Macdonald and Tyler Berkholz had the assists.
The second period was a bad run for the ‘Pack, as Selkirk found the net for three goals and outshot TRU 14-6. Penalties also became problematic, which proved to be the difference in the game.
Both teams tightened up in the third period with Selkirk outshooting TRU 6-3. The WolfPack did not generate a lot of offence, spent from the previous penalties.
Overall, Selkirk fired 30 shots at TRU starter Stephen Wolff while the 'Pack were foiled by 17 saves from Saints netminder Chris Hurry.
"Stephen definitely kept us in the game and he did what he could to give us a chance to win. I have to take my hat off to him tonight," said head coach Don Schulz.
The WolfPack faced a disadvantage with several of their top players out of the lineup. Travis Herlein and Ryan Cuthbert, two of the ‘Pack's key defensemen, did not lace up. Top forwards Tyler Jackson and Duncan Schulz also added to tonight's shorthanded roster.
"Even with some of our top players out we are competitive with the top teams in the league. If we can get healthy again we are certainly one of the teams to beat at the end," says Schulz.
TRU is looking to quickly bounce back and get into the win column Saturday night when they host Trinity Western University. Puck drops at Memorial Arena at 8:00 PM.
VICTORIA
SIMON FRASER
OKANAGAN
LOGAN LAKE
VANCOUVER ISLAN.
