Flames Singe Pod, 2-0

White Rock goalie Keegan Maddocks (#31) reacts to action in the slot Nov. 1. Maddocks, an ex-Victoria Royal, made 25 saves in his regular season debut for the Pod. Photo courtesy of Jody Harris Photography, PJHL.

ABBOTSFORD – The Whalers were on fire with 20 goals scored in the first three games of 2020. But the Ridge Meadows Flames provided an icy welcome Nov.1.

Rookie Flame goalie Cameron Connolly made 27 saves and hung on for a 2-0 win. He picked up his first regular season victory in the PJHL and his team’s first ‘W’ as well.

The loss evened the Pod’s record at one win and one loss this year.

Two minutes into the third period, Flame Jacob Fraser scored the game-winner. His first goal for Ridge Meadows came at an opportune time. The Flames added an empty-netter in the last minute of play.

Teammate Connor Beemish echoed Price’s comments. “Maddocks was sensational tonight. He bailed us out a couple of times.”

White Rock’s head coach Jason Rogers said that his team had a “lot of opportunities to score” but couldn’t light the lamp behind Connolly. Both teams went 0-for-2 on the powerplay.

‘Sensational’ Maddocks Gets 1st Start

“We struggled to finish our chances,” Whalers’ captain Tyler Price said.

The 19-year-old defenceman did point to a positive: new Pod goalie Keegan Maddocks. In his first regular season start, the 17-year-old gave an outstanding effort with 25 saves.

Price mentioned that the Whalers felt confident with Maddocks in the crease as the ex-Victoria Royal netminder “really helped us stay in the game.

Teammate Connor Beemish echoed Price’s comments. “Maddocks was sensational tonight. He bailed us out a couple of times.”

Price concluded that being shut-out by the Flames was a “tough loss. But I know we’ll come back Wednesday and play a more well-rounded game.”

NEXT GAME: WHALERS @ ALDERGROVE KODIAKS, WEDNESDAY NOV. 4 @ 7:15 P.M.