And you can say that again! Saturday night saw the Whalers host Port Alberni which defeated them 4-0, just over a week ago. This Saturday, the result was to be a bit different.
Both teams stood on the ice at the beginning of the game having just about the same line up as their last encounter. But this time, the Whalers were well supported with magnificent Gary behind the bench. Having many years of experience, he was able to point out plays and areas to work on. The Whalers started the first period like a tiny puppy would after being scowled. Hesitant and tentative, the home team allowed the opposition to take every opportunity to skate to the net. Alberni was able to score the first goal to make it 1-0 and keep the lead the entire first period. It wasn’t until the coach’s speech at the first intermission that the Whalers decided to establish a firm grip on their home ice. There was no stopping them. Five of the six goals scored in the second half belonged to the Whalers. Tera Kasubuchi (Ecofish) put on a clinic and scored 4 of them, 2 being short handed and all 4 unassisted. The crowd was speechless while the visiting team kept on scratching their head not knowing how to stop her! Two more goals were scored by Josée Bureau (Flip Flop Shops) assisted by Kelly Roloff (Canadian Western Bank) to end the game with a score of 6-3 for the Whalers. Coach Gary was quick to praise the team ” the girls took it to them, not giving Alberni any room and putting on pressure everywhere on the ice. It was a real team effort”. Nancy Shield guarded the net like a pro!
On Sunday, the Whalers hosted the Nanaimo intermediate team which always provide some very entertaining and somewhat physical contests. Despite the home team dominating most of the 1st and 2nd period, the Whalers were unable to take much more than a 1-0 lead (Bert Churchill) into the 3rd period. Tamara Berger (Brian McLean) was finally able to add two to the lead with her mesmerizing puck handling. Bureau added the 4th to close the deal at 4-0 for the Whalers. Sky Zimmerman and Haley Fraser collected two assists each. Jaime Banham earned the shut out. Denise Davidson deserved a standing ovation for her spectacular defensive plays.
Many Whalers will be away next weekend to participate in the Apex outdoor tournament. Coming up game for the Whalers on February 2.
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