Trinity Western University defenceman Ryan Bakken scored a goal and added an assist to lead the Spartans to a 3-1 win over Simon Fraser in preseason action Friday at the Bill Copeland Sports Centre.
After falling behind early in the first period, the Spartans responded with three unanswered goals – one in each period – to earn their second preseason win in as many games.
“We kept them under 30 shots, which hasn’t happened in a while,” said TWU coach Barret Kropf, who team was outshot 26-23. “That just goes to show the commitment to defensive zone and I think that was important for us to get that confidence going into the season.”
Facing an early deficit, TWU’s Dawson Sawatzky put the Spartans on the board in the first period with a goal that saw both Bakken and Brett Wur pick up assists.
In the second Dirk de Waal scored what would be the winning goal on the power play, with Kaleb Denham nabbing an assist. In the third, Bakken rounded out the scoring with an insurance marker. Mattias Schmitt and Matthew Vela had helpers.
Aaron Oakley earned the win in 40 minutes of work before giving way to Silas Matthys, who played the final period.
“Oakley did a great job for us in his two periods of work,” Kropf said. “Bakken was also really solid at both ends of the ice and it was nice to see him rewarded offensively."
"Andrew Wheeler also has really started to show some leadership. The strength and conditioning that he’s added to his program this year has really started to pay dividends. We’re excited about him coming in and being able to contribute in our top six.”
TWU will wrap up its exhibition slate Sept. 17 when it hosts SFU at the Langley Events Centre.
VICTORIA
SIMON FRASER
VANCOUVER ISLAN.
LOGAN LAKE
OKANAGAN
