Photo courtesy of Jody Harris Photography, PJHL.
ALDERGROVE – After silence on the scoreboard three days ago, the Whalers relied on their veterans to spark a character-building 4-1 win versus the division leader Kodiaks Nov.4.
Third-year Whaler Matt Burry and second-year returnee Zach Sherwin each lit the lamp twice against Aldergrove. Both players are proven scorers; last season, Burry recorded 13 goals while Sherwin contributed 15 markers.
This victory means White Rock – two wins, one loss, for four points – jumps to second place and now trails Aldergrove by four points in the four-team division.
“If we can continue to play like we did tonight and get even better as the season goes on, we will be very successful.”
Creative ‘Burr’ buries two
Three minutes into the first period, Burry gave the Pod an early confidence boost. he faked a cross-crease pass and slid the puck through the five-hole of Kodiak goalie Joshua Kotai.
On a powerplay late in the third period, Burry tipped teammate Josten Hu’s point shot into the Aldergrove net. “Tonight, we came prepared and energized,” Burry commented.
He also revealed his creative solution to practise his quick release in the off-season
With rinks closed because of the pandemic, he bought a set of synthetic ice panels to mimic skating on a rink in his backyard. He also set up shooting targets to improve his accuracy.
Zach Sherwin: 2-on-1 Maestro
Before the end of the first period Nov. 4, Sherwin skated down the left wing on a two-on-one rush. He faked a pass and ripped the puck past Kotai on the short side.
His second goal also occurred on a two-on-one. “We were able to capitalize on our chances,” Sherwin said.
Whaler goalie Jonathan Holloway picked up his second win of the season and made 25 saves.
Captain Price: ‘We’re a skilled team’
After three regular season games, Whalers’ captain Tyler Price summed up his squad: “We’re a skilled team this year. It shows when we compete for our chances and don’t get pushed around.”
“If we can continue to play like we did tonight and get even better as the season goes on, we will be very successful.”
Home Away From Home: Minoru
Next, the Whalers will host the Kodiaks in Richmond’s Minoru Arena. Minoru will be the home rink for the Pod until December.
NEXT GAME | Home opener: WHALERS vs ALDERGROVE KODIAKS, Saturday NOV. 7 @ 5:45 P.M. at Richmond's Minoru Arena
