Pod’s ‘C’ Shines In 100th Game

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.

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.”

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.