Veteran Jacob Dorohoy rejoined the Whalers in early November and has scored seven goals since then. | Photo: David Stevens Photography.
Whaler Jacob Dorohoy ‘back in the groove’
MINORU ARENA – The weather outside was frightful. And for veteran Whaler Jacob Dorohoy, the two goals he scored were delightful on Dec. 22.
Dorohoy took full advantage of his six foot two frame during a comprehensive 4-1 victory over the Richmond Sockeyes. In the first period, he skated onto a loose puck and rifled a low shot under Richmond goalie Ben Montgomery’s glove.
Then, only 22 seconds after Zac Sherwin put home a feed from captain Chris Fortems, Dorohoy struck again for his seventh of the season and a 3-1 lead.
“Now, I’m getting back in the groove,” Dorohoy said. “Scoring those two big goals definitely gave me a boost of confidence.”
Whalers assistant coach Matt Rogers appreciated how Dorohoy has “picked up his game” during the past two weeks. “Results are coming,” Rogers added.
Dorohoy was also effective with time on the penalty kill. Both the Whalers and Sockeyes were 0-for-5 with the man advantage.
At press time, Dec. 23, the Whalers have a record of 17 wins, 13 losses and a lone overtime loss for 35 points and fourth spot in the Tom Shaw Conference – three points behind the third-place Grandview Steelers and three points ahead of the fifth-place North Vancouver Wolf Pack.
Meanwhile, the Sockeyes – 24 wins, six losses and an overtime loss, along with two shootout defeats – are still atop the Shaw Conference with 51 points.
‘Sher-WIN’, ‘Forty’ & ‘Big Goal’ Cole
At press time, captain Chris Fortems still led the Pacific Junior Hockey League (PJHL) with 62 points; linemate Zac Sherwin was in second spot with 58 points.
For the PJHL goal-scoring race, linemate “Big Goal” Cole Svendson remained the standard-bearer with 26.
Bankier opens an account
On the blue line, a recent addition to the Pod’s lineup has paid dividends. Keagan Bankier – an affiliated player from Cloverdale U-18 – assisted both on Dorohoy’s second goal and Chris Fortems’s one-timer to salt the game away late in the third period.
“I’m a two-way guy – I like to play defence and join in the rush,” Bankier said. The 17-year-old said that he had a “lot of buddies on the team. It’s a fun experience. Good atmosphere.”
Rogers called Bankier’s performance during the past few games “very impressive.”
Rogers acknowledged that the Whalers have gone through some growing pains, especially the younger defensive corps. As the Pod heads into the last month-and-a-half of the regular season, he’s “excited to see where this goes.”
POST GAME AUDIO with Assistant Coach Matt Rogers, Jacob Dorohoy & Keagan Bankier
"I think we've really put some pieces together here for a good run down the stretch," assistant coach Matt Rogers said.
Live Audio with Assistant Coach Matt Rogers
"Practice is huge over the [Christmas] break...should be a good second half" of the season, Whaler Jacob Dorohoy pointed out.
Live Audio with Jacob Dorohoy
"Play hard, play physical. Just play my game and be confident out there," new Whaler Keagan Bankier recalled of the coaching staff's message to him.
Live Audio with Keagan Bankier
Next Away Games: PJHL Winter Classic
Fans, we look forward to seeing you inside Minoru Arena in Richmond for back-to-back regular season games:
The Whalers will host the Mission City Outlaws on Friday, Dec. 30 at 4 p.m.
Then, the Pod will lace up as the visitors versus the North Vancouver Wolf Pack at 10 a.m. on Dec. 31, New Year’s Eve.
Full Schedule | 2022 Winter Classic Showcase in Richmond, BC
Until then, from our Pod to yours, we wish you a Merry Christmas!
NEXT AWAY GAMES
Whalers travel to Richmond for the PJHL Winter Classic to battle the Outlaws. Friday, Dec. 30th | 4:00 p.m.
Game two of the Winter Classic has the Pod facing off with the North Van Wolf Pack.
Saturday, Dec. 31 | 10:00 a.m.
NEXT HOME GAME
Whalers host the Port Moody Panthers.
Saturday, Jan. 7th | 7:30 p.m.
Centennial Arena
