Ahead By A Century: ‘Big Goal’ Cole Svendson

“It feels weird to be the fourth [Whaler] to play 100 games. Definitely doesn’t feel like I’ve been playing for them for that long,” Svendson said.

Later that evening, the 6-foot-2 veteran used his big frame to notch a goal and an assist in a 5-2 win over the Port Moody Panthers. The next night, Svendson again contributed the same on the scoresheet in a 6-1 away victory over the Panthers.

Since October and until a few days ago, Svendson led the PJHL in goals. At press time, Jan. 9, his 28 goals slotted him in second place alongside Pod linemate Zac Sherwin.

Ridge Meadows Flame Theo Kochan is the current goals leader with 30.

‘Nickname for a reason’

Svendson received the nickname of “Big Goal” Cole in previous seasons for being the Pod’s CEO in the goal-scoring department. (Note: The 2020-2021 PJHL season was cancelled due to the pandemic).

When quizzed on his prodigious ability to tip pucks, fight for rebounds and deke goalies, Svendson was modest. “I’m happy about it. But honestly, I have to give [credit] to my teammates,” he said earlier this season.

“I’m just in the right place at the time: they feed me the puck.”

Those linemates: captain Chris Fortems and centreman Zac Sherwin, are certainly no slouches in points production. Fortems leads the league in points with 70; Sherwin has 64 points.

“We’re all pretty good friends off the ice,” Fortems said. For the top line, on-ice communication is key for plays toward the opposition net.

In October 2022, White Rock head coach Jason Rogers pointed out that Svendson had the “nickname for a reason” after the hard-nosed winger had recorded his 50th for the Whalers.

“I think that’s going to be a real challenge for someone to meet,” Rogers commented.

Rogers’s words were apt: three months later, Svendson has added 24 more for the Pod for an astounding Jr. ‘B’ career total of 74 goals (including playoffs) so far.

Standings update

The Whalers have a record of 20 wins, 14 losses and two shoot-out losses for a total of 42 points and fourth place in the six-team Tom Shaw Conference.

The good news: the Pod is neck-and-neck with the third seed, the Grandview Steelers, who also have 42 points but a slightly better record.

“We’re all pretty good friends off the ice,” Fortems said. For the top line, on-ice communication is key for plays toward the opposition net.

In October 2022, White Rock head coach Jason Rogers pointed out that Svendson had the “nickname for a reason” after the hard-nosed winger had recorded his 50th for the Whalers.

“I think that’s going to be a real challenge for someone to meet,” Rogers commented.

Rogers’s words were apt: three months later, Svendson has added 24 more for the Pod for an astounding Jr. ‘B’ career total of 74 goals (including playoffs) so far.