“So many memories! Just every memory. Last year, going to the finals – even this year, losing – still a great memory with all the guys,” he exclaimed.

“Big Goal” Cole’s shot from the slot zipped through the legs of Delta Ice Hawk goalie Merick Erickson eight-and-a-half minutes into overtime

It took a mere 16 seconds for Delta’s Henry Smith to let the White Rock Whalers know that he hadn’t forgotten about last year’s Shaw Conference Final loss.

Whaler Cole Svendson backed up his assertion that the Pod were going to can the Richmond Sockeyes and send them packing in five games. White Rock did exactly that with an emphatic 3-0 victory in Minoru Arena Mar. 2.

But instead of frustration, “Big Goal” Cole took his teammates on his back and made history as he scored the Pod’s first-ever postseason hat trick in a 6-4 victory over the Richmond Sockeyes.

The Whalers did exactly what head coach Jason Rogers has preached for years: as the away side, achieve a split in the opening two playoff games before returning to Centennial Arena.

The Whalers received a taste of Jr. ‘B’ postseason action on Feb. 20 – hard hits, close defensive play and clutch goaltending at opportune moments.

It was the best of times in a tale of two Travises – Whalers defenceman Dylan Travis and forward Travis Smythe – during the regular season’s penultimate weekend.

Whaler Zac Sherwin scored and added four assists against Delta Jan. 28. The talented centreman now leads the PJHL in points with 81 (tied alongside linemate Chris Fortems).

Each period, Paul faced a breakaway and stymied Abbotsford’s Carter Dickson’s wrist shot high to the glove side; Camden Koch’s backhand deke; and another Koch move to the forehand.