Mission goalie Brian Dale nets first star
CENTENNIAL ARENA – The Whalers fired a tremendous amount of vulcanized rubber on net – a total of 50 shots – but Outlaws goalie Brian Dale earned his spurs.
The netminder made 47 saves as he backstopped Mission to a 4-3 victory Oct. 23. Though the Whalers controlled the majority of the play and tied the game three times, Dale’s resilient posse responded on the scoreboard.
“Mission worked hard and scored on their opportunities,” acknowledged White Rock head coach Jason Rogers. “Tough stretch for us right now.”
The loss meant that White Rock is only one game over .500 – seven wins, six losses, and a single overtime loss for a total of 15 points. At press time, the Pod remained fourth in the six-team Tom Shaw Conference.
While Rogers said the Whalers “need to compete harder,” he also noted that long-term diligence would eventually lead to more positive results.
And with two wins over seven games during October, the second month of the season, the Whalers will have a few days to return to an even keel for their next contest out in Aldergrove Oct. 27.
Outlaws come out shooting
Three minutes into the first period, Mission’s Cole Moffatt took advantage of an early powerplay when he solved White Rock goalie Daniel Zuvic.
Teammate Josh Romeyn also lit the lamp for a 2-0 lead. Halfway through the period, Whaler Sam Dowell put home a feed from alternate captain Chris Fortems. Then, White Rock’s Andrew Fishwick tied the game.
Penalty trouble
After the teams had traded goals, White Rock defenceman “Butch” La Roue took a 10-minute misconduct in the third period. As La Roue sat in the box, Outlaw Grayson Pamplin scored the game-winner.
A minute later, Whaler Sam Dowell took a minor for a check to the head and an automatic 10-minute misconduct.
Whalers owner Ronnie Paterson (left) presents alternate captain Francis "Butch" La Roue (22) with a one-of-kind knapsack Oct. 23. La Roue has now played 101 games for the Pod.| Photo: White Rock Whalers
La Roue saluted for 100 games
Before the game, the Centennial faithful showed their appreciation for White Rock alternate captain Francis “Butch” La Roue, who laced up for his 100th game for the Pod Oct. 16. Owner Ronnie Paterson presented the blueliner with a one-of-a-kind Whalers knapsack.
THREE STARS:
First: Mission # 30 Brian Dale
Second: Mission # 18 Brayden Candy
Third: Mission # 11 Cole Moffatt