SFU takes advantage of home ice at Showcase, topping Eastern and Selkirk

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Simon Fraser University continued a six game winning streak by winning both of their games in the BCIHL's inaugural University Hockey Showcase.

“We’re just rolling right now and everyone’s going and we’re playing really good,” said second year forward Tyler Basham, who scored two goals and an assist over the two games. “We’ve got confidence now.”

SFU hosted the BCIHL Showcase at the Bill Copeland Sports Centre, which celebrated the tenth anniversary of the league with six games featuring all five teams.

“I think it’s been fantastic. I think it’s been first class and the hockey’s been great,” said assistant coach Tom Spencer. “I have nothing but good things to say about it.”

On Friday night, SFU played the evening game against Eastern Washington, winning 6-5 in a back and forth effort. Eastern Washington’s Jesse Collins opened the scoring 8:55 into the first period, but Jesse Mysiorek would answer for the Clan just 32 seconds later with a goal of his own.

SFU would trade goals with the Eagles throughout the first and second periods, with Jesse Williamson and Michael Sandor scoring to make it 3-3 heading into the second intermission. Sandor’s second of the night gave SFU back the lead just over three minutes into the third, while Mysiorek’s second of the night gave SFU a 5-3 lead with 11:23 left in the game.

However, Eastern Washington answered back, scoring two goals in the span of two minutes. With 1:14 left, the game appeared to be heading to overtime, but Basham had other ideas. With his eighth goal of the year, he ensured the regulation win.

“We battled through and found a way to win,” said head coach Mark Coletta. “Eastern Washington is a good hockey team, they’ve got a lot of spirit and they’ve got some players who can play, and they’re a fast team to be very honest.”

Lyndon Stanwood made 29 of 34 saves.

On Saturday night, SFU played Selkirk College in a battle for first place, having last played the reigning BCIHL champion in an 8-2 victory on December 5.

Jono Ceci opened the scoring, making the most of a breakaway opportunity, scoring on SFU’s first shot of the game. Ceci would give SFU the 2-0 nothing lead 1:06 into the second period, with helpers from Basham and first year defenceman Robson Cramer.

However, Selkirk clawed their way back scoring two goals in the second to tie up the game and scoring 48 seconds into the third to take the 3-2 lead. Basham once again played the role of hero, tying the game up with 8:30 left in the game, with helpers from Ceci and Brendan Lamont.

The game would go to a shootout, and Mathew Berry-Lamontagna scored the only goal of the shootout winning the game 4-3 for SFU. The goal marked Berry-Lamontagna’s third straight successful shootout attempt.

“It was a desperate Selkirk team against an SFU team that’s won five in a row. We got outplayed for 40 and found a way to win in the third,” said Spencer.

After Williamson left the game with an injury in the second period, a shortened bench necessitated forward Brandon Tidy to play a few shifts on the blueline.

“For teams to win, you need guys that can do anything and Tidy’s that guy for us this year. He did it in Eastern Washington for us last weekend and doing it again tonight,” Spencer explained. “He volunteers to do it and he knows what it takes to win. He did a great job back there. He plays with energy, he’s physical and he understands the game so it’s an easy transition for him.”

SFU returns to the Bill Copeland Sports Centre this Saturday to take on the University of Victoria Vikes. SFU is 2-1-0 against UVic, having most recently lost 6-4 on the road on November 21.

In their last meeting at the Bill Copeland, SFU came back from behind to win 7-6 in the shootout on October 24. SFU students get in free with student ID. Puck drop is at 7:00 PM.