Much better second game

Saturday Oct. 9th: Parksville

It was a dark and stormy night.  Well, windy anyway.  Saturday night, the Whalers took to the road:  destination Parksville.  Game number two of their young season saw them playing another top Upper Island team, the Parksville Seagals.  Due to the Thanksgiving weekend, the Whalers were limited to a skeleton crew of only 10 players, matched by the even thinner ranks of the Seagals who fielded just six combatants and subsequently drafted two Whalers, Kelly Roloff and Jody Fink (InsuraCentres), who quickly adjusted to the enemy system.  Too quickly according to an anonymous Whalers player.

The first period saw even play on both ends of the ice, with neither team being able to tinkle the twine.  The Whalers outshot their opponents by a large margin but the Seagals goalie saw everything.

The second period was a bit different and had plenty of actions with a total of eight goals scored.  The Whalers were the first to break the tie in the third minute with a goal from Alison Abraham on a beautiful slap shot from the point.  The Seagal goalie never had a chance to even react to the shot. No more than four minutes later, the Seagals answered with a similar goal that made its way past Whalers goalie Carla Kulezyck, who was on loan with a temporary contract from the Port Alberni team.  The Whalers didn’t waste any time and retaliated with a second goal two minutes later.  Despite a little confusion in the Whalers line up midway through the second period, most players were able to stay focused and keep up with the Parksville team.  Lacey Mortensen moved up to offense for a few minutes, quickly scoring after a nice pass from winger Sky Zimmerman, her second of the game.  Thirty seconds later, Parskville buried their second goal to tie the score.  Mortensen found herself in front of the opposition’s net a little over three minutes later and deflected a well placed shot from winger Chanace VanderHeide.  Like a well played tennis match, the rally kept on going. Parksville fired back with their third goal two minutes later, a beautiful pass across the crease to Roloff (playing for Parksville) who one timed it in the net for the rivals – both teams celebrated!   Tired legs, burning lungs and a little less playing experience than the home team caught up with the Whalers in the last two minutes of the second period as they allowed quick back to back goals, giving the Seagals a 5-3 lead.

The Whalers had a good chat at the break and attempted to regroup for the third period but were unable to regain the lead and were beaten one more time at the fourteen minute mark. “It is very obvious that the Whalers are working on passing and puck possession.  The players have a good understanding of playing the triangle and were able to create a lot of chances on offence.” shared the Port Alberni loaner goalie, watching from the other end of the ice.

As per their first game a week ago, the Whalers will need to continue working on positioning in the defending end and some more finishing.  They would like to thank their coaches Jordan, Keanan and Cody for the well organized and thought out practices they run every week. Their dedication and knowledge of the game is much appreciated.

The Whalers play their next game on Friday, Oct. 22nd when they  travel to Nanaimo to play in the Nanaimo Tournament.  The Whalers are always looking for part-time players and sponsors. Check out their blog for more information. http://courtenaywhalers.wordpress.com/