PJHL Ray Stonehouse Cup | Game 4: ‘Burr’ Ensures Pod Stays Alive

‘All men on deck’

Confusion reigned on the ice as one referee signalled a goal while the other – seconds before – had called a penalty before the puck crossed the goal line.

Ultimately, the Langley goal was waved off and Whaler veteran Matt Burry went to the box for roughing with 16 seconds left.

Amidst the cheers of the Pod’s faithful and boos from Langley fans, the Whalers survived the near-death experience to finally record a victory. While the Pod has a heartbeat, Langley still leads the series three games to one.

“Just glad the ref blew the whistle there [for] a much-needed break,” Burry said. Earlier in the third period, the alternate captain had slotted a rebound past Langley goalie Taje Gill for the game-winner on the powerplay.

“Job’s not done. We have a lot of work to do,” Burry pointed out. Captain Tyler Price agreed he termed the 100 seconds as an “all men on deck” moment.

Maddocks faced 18 shots and picked up his eighth postseason victory while Gill was tagged with his first loss.

'Big Man' Mathieson

After a scoreless first period, White Rock captain Tyler Price broke up a Langley breakaway attempt but took a four-minute double minor for spearing.

While shorthanded, teammate Ryden Mathieson collected a loose puck and streaked ahead for a breakaway of his own. But his expert backhand deke was barely kept out by Gill’s glove.

After the Price penalty expired, Mathieson lit the lamp when he put home a cross-crease pass from Cole Svendson to put the Pod ahead 1-0.

A few months ago, Mathieson’s grit and determination impressed the Western Hockey League’s Prince George Cougars in training camp. Now, Mathieson, along with Svendson and linemate Jacob Dorohoy, have been diligent in the corners to grind down the opposition.