White Rock captain Chris Fortems has had an exceptional October by vying for the league's scoring lead in points. | Photo: David Stevens Photography
Dylan Travis scores first as a Whaler
CENTENNIAL ARENA – Eleven goals; a penalty shot; two Whalers retained their perch in league scoring – all during a 6-5 win for the Whalers over the Chilliwack Jets.
However, let’s begin with the game’s third star: a young American who hip-checked his way into the hearts of the Centennial faithful with a masterful display of old-school hits on Nov. 12.
New Whaler Dylan Travis also notched his first goal for the Pod – a slapshot from the point.
“I like to play a physical game,” Travis said. He hails from a military family and has lived all over the United States.
New Whaler defenceman Dylan Travis is a "great addition" to the club, said head coach Jason Rogers.
.
Travis joined the Whalers a week and a half ago and drives the daily commute from Birch Bay, Wash. for practices and games. “Enjoy the drive and love hanging out with the guys,” he added.
In a game full of man advantages, Travis was blocking shots and looked dangerous all night long. White Rock head coach Jason Rogers called the “dynamite” young blueliner a “great addition.”
At press time, Nov. 14, the Whalers had a record of 10 wins, six losses and an overtime loss for 21 points – fourth place in the six-team Tom Shaw Conference. White Rock is one point behind the third-place Grandview Steelers.
Cordina in control
In the first period, Whaler Sam Cordina continued his hot streak on Nov. 12 when he displayed his hand-eye coordination. The rookie skated in close – just before he passed the goal line, Cordina kicked the puck off his skate, back to his stick and went top shelf on the far side past Jets goalie Sean Walia to tie the game at 1-1.
It was Cordina’s sixth goal in only seven games for White Rock.
The Jets spent a full two minutes on a 5-on-3 when Whaler defenceman Caleb Cruz was sent to the box for a hook, and the Pod was assessed a bench minor for unsportsmanlike conduct.
Jet Zack Feaver pushed Chilliwack ahead, but the two teams kept trading goals. Travis and David Moody put the Whalers forward 3-2.
Midway through the middle frame, the Whalers had their own 5-on-3 powerplay for more than 100 seconds. Defenceman Bryce Margetson was wide open from the left face-off circle, but his one-timer was barely pushed aside by the blocker of an outstretched Walia.
The Whalers were 0-for-6 on the powerplay; the Jets went 1-for-6.
Sher-WIN line takes over
With 35 seconds left in the second period, the Whalers were given a golden opportunity: a penalty shot. But Whaler Cole “Big Goal” Svendson’s backhand deke was turned aside.
Thankfully for the Whalers, Svendson wasn’t deterred. Neither were his linemates Zac Sherwin and Chris Fortems.
In the third period, Sherwin scored and Svendson added a brace.
Altogether, the trio had an impressive night. Fortems, with four assists, retook the Pacific Junior Hockey League lead in points with 41 (as of Nov. 14). Meanwhile, Svendson is top of the league goal scoring race with 20.
POST GAME AUDIO with Coach Rogers & Dylan Travis
"I like where we are, but there's still plenty of room for improvement," Coach Rogers pointed out after 17 games played this season.
Live Audio with Coach Rogers
"I took a chance, let it rip and there she went," Dylan Travis said about his first goal as a Whaler.
Live Audio with Dylan Travis
NEXT HOME GAME
Whalers host the Grandview Steelers.
Saturday, Nov. 19 | 7:30 p.m.
Centennial Arena
