Whalers Hunt For Goals

Sept. 24: Whalers v. Trappers

The Langley contest was the touted rematch of the Pacific Junior ‘B’ championship last season, when the Trappers ousted the Whalers for the Ray Stonehouse Cup.

Unfortunately, White Rock hit three posts and Trapper Brock Mierzejewski beat Whaler goalie Adam Winters early in the first period for the game-winner. Winters faced a total of 38 shots while his teammates fired 26 at Langley’s Dylan Black, who recorded a shutout between the pipes.

Penalties have become a concern for the Whalers – White Rock took 52; Langley 44. Feisty Whaler defenceman Bryce Margetson was assessed a game misconduct for a check from behind.

Young defensive corps earns ‘experience’

Margetson, in his final year, has embraced being an alternate captain and his expanded role for longer minutes. Ultimately, the defensive corps is where the Whalers will hopefully steady the ship.

Since no man can play junior hockey older than 20, White Rock lost veteran defencemen “Butch” La Roue and former captain Tyler Price in the off-season. Their absence – and steady breakout passes – were noticeable against the Trappers.

Meanwhile, younger defenders – second-year Whalers Caleb Cruz, an explosive skater, and steady passer Cooper De Waal – have improved in their on-ice performance.

“They’re a young group. Got to get their legs under them and get some experience,” said White Rock head coach Jason Rogers.

White Rock captain Chris Fortems said that his teammates were “working hard. Everyone’s trying to impress each other.”

Fortems added that he wasn’t “too worried” about the Langley setback. “We’re going to be coming back even stronger.”