White Rock captain Chris Fortems has had an exceptional October by vying for the league's scoring lead in points. | Photo: David Stevens Photography
Chris Fortems vies for league’s top scorer
CENTENNIAL ARENA – Moments of anticipation – foresight between veterans – pushed the Whalers to capitalize on exceptional plays with an 8-3 victory over the Aldergrove Kodiaks Oct. 22.
Recently, captain Chris Fortems notched his 100th assist as a Whaler in his 100th regular season game for the franchise.
The first moment came eight minutes in: Whaler defenceman Bryce Margetson skated out of his own end, looked ahead and fired a 50-foot tape-to-tape pass to captain Chris Fortems. A savvy scorer, Fortems broke in and expertly undressed Aldergrove goalie Allen Gillis via a forehand deke for a 1-0 lead.
Fortems finished with three points that evening. Overall, the captain has had a brilliant October. At press time, Oct. 24, he was tied for the Pacific Junior Hockey League’s scoring lead with 26 points. Linemate Zac Sherwin is only one point behind with 25.
Welcome to the Rock: New secondary scorers
After Kodiak Jovan Budial tied the game, second-year Whaler Cole Dennis-Sharma scored his first-ever for the Pod.
“Cole competes so hard every night, and the boys love him,” said White Rock head coach Jason Rogers.
New Whaler Samuel Cordina grins after scoring his first goal for the Pod. White Rock picked up Cordina, a left-handed shot, from the North Vancouver Wolf Pack.
Then the Whalers returned to meat-and-potatoes hockey. In the span of 90 seconds, another Cole – “Big Goal” Svendson – put home two goals for a 4-2 lead. The latter was the game-winner.
Svendson was later ejected for three stick fouls, per league rules.
In the second period, another secondary scorer joined the Pod. Samuel Cordina tipped a point shot past Kodiak goalie Gillis. Cordina, the newest player to wear the ‘W’ crest, recently came to White Rock in a trade from the North Vancouver Wolf Pack.
Cordina was a “little surprised” by the move but happy for the opportunity to shine in Centennial. He described his style of play as having three components: a heavy shot, able to “drive to the net and make those passes not everyone sees.”
Later, Cordina used his heavy shot to snap a second goal on the powerplay from a feed by Whaler defenceman Caleb Cruz.
Coach Rogers was pleased with the trade for a left-handed shooter. “He’s a big body, and he likes to chip and chase. Clearly, he’s got a bit of a knack for the net.”
Whaler goalie Ty Angus prepares during warm-up. He recorded his third win of the season against the Aldergrove Kodiaks Oct. 22. | Photo courtesy of Alistair Burns / White Rock Whalers.
Another ‘W’ for goalie Angus
n goal, Whaler netminder Ty Angus faced 20 shots and allowed three goals for his third win of the season. Late in the third, he slid across to block a Kodiak powerplay shot from the point and dove to deny a point-blank opportunity on the rebound.
His teammates went 2-for-4 on the man advantage; Aldergrove was 2-for-5.
Whaler rookies Maxim Woodward (left) and Cole Dennis-Sharma show off their 'first goal' pucks for the Pod. Woodward has become an exceptional penalty killer and Dennis-Sharma continues to improve on the blue line.
Standings update
At press time, Oct. 24, the Whalers had a .500 record – five wins, five losses and an overtime loss for 11 points – still in fifth place in the Tom Shaw Conference, two points behind the Port Moody Panthers.
Next home game: Special pre-game ceremony for Fortems, Margetson
This Saturday, Oct. 29, we hope that the Centennial faithful will show up early before the opening face-off at 7:30 against the Abbotsford Pilots.
The Whalers organization will show appreciation for the second and third players that have played 100 regular season games for the franchise: alternate captain Bryce Margetson and captain Chris Fortems.
POST GAME AUDIO with Coach Rogers & Samuel Cordina
"I'm sure somebody will be creative and will think of something that will fit," quipped Coach Rogers about the Sherwin line's possible nickname.
Live Audio with Coach Rogers
"I was happy to go to a place [White Rock] where I knew I'd have more opportunity," Samuel Cordina said.
Live Audio with Samuel Cordina
NEXT HOME GAME
Whalers host the Abbotsford Pilots.
Saturday, Oct. 29 | 7:30 p.m.
Centennial Arena