Whalers Win Six In A Row

Both scored in a 4-1 victory over the Surrey Knights on Feb. 4. Smythe was also crucial during two separate 5-on-3 penalty kills.

“Everyone just knows their role on the team,” Smythe said. “We play the puck well and just get pucks deep.”

White Rock head coach Jason Rogers has pointed out Smythe’s exceptional play while shorthanded on numerous occasions. “He’s a leader – the fellas are happy for him,” Rogers said after Smythe finally notched his first of the season.

The next night, the other Travis – rugged defenceman Dylan Travis – added another goal during a 5-3 win on the road in Chilliwack.

Pod controls their own destiny

With these results, the Whalers are on a high – 12 games over .500 – and a record of 27 wins, 15 losses and two shoot-out losses for a total of 56 points. At press time, Feb. 6, White Rock, the third seed, is only a single point ahead of the Grandview Steelers.

Ultimately, the Whalers have their destiny in their own hands with their final four regular-season games in the upcoming week as the home side: vs. Grandview (Feb. 7); Richmond (Feb. 8); Chilliwack (Feb. 11); and Aldergrove (Feb. 12).

Travis Smythe, a veteran of last season’s run to the Ray Stonehouse Cup final, is eager for the postseason.

“It’s exciting – especially when we play at home. No one really comes here and gets a lot of wins in the play-offs.”