Novice Chinooks defeat Taber Oil Kings

Novice Chinooks vs Taber
J. Davis photos

Josh Davis, Pincher Creek Voice

On Saturday morning, January 19 Pincher Creek's Novice "B" Chinooks hosted the Taber Oil Kings at the Memorial Community Centre for their 12th regular game of the season.

The Chinooks started the first period off looking really good. #6 Riley Potts had a great first period, assisted by #23 Mayz Vance in scoring the first goal of the game in less than two minutes of play. This goal was followed up by one from #3 Eric Leblanc, assisted by Potts, with 16:57 on the clock. It was clear early into the game that the Chinooks were skating a little harder, reacting a little faster, and playing a little bit more aggressively. Potts earned his second goal of the game unassisted with seven minutes left in the first period. This was followed up by #20 Rhett Fitzpatrick, assisted again by Potts. The first period ended with the Chinooks in the lead 4-0.

Oil Kings’ #19 Kyler James scored the first goal of the second period. The Oil Kings had a clear edge when it came to winning face-offs, and worked hard to turn this to their advantage. However, the Chinooks did not let up, intent on keeping their lead. #23 Mayz Vance made his second goal of the game three minutes into the period. Potts earned his hat-trick with an unassisted goal made at 13:10. #28 Cory Dyck was showing his great skating and stick handling throughout this period, and it was no surprise to see him score the Chinooks next goal, assisted by Eric Leblanc. #89 Connor Eldridge snuck one past the Chinooks defensive line with 4:40 on the clock, earning the Oil Kings second goal. Cory Dyck then scored his second goal of the game for the Chinooks, unassisted with three minutes left in the second period. #4 Drew Stuckey scored the next Chinooks goal at 2:37. The Oil Kings’ Kyler James scored his second goal towards the end of the period. The Chinooks had consolidated their lead, with the score sitting at 10–3 at the end of the period.

To the Oil Kings' credit they never once gave up, continuing to play just as hard despite the daunting lead held by the Chinooks. #94 Cooper Ross scored the Oil Kings another goal less than a minute into the third. Rhett Fitzpatrick was assisted by Potts in scoring another Chinooks goal at 19:08. The next ten minutes were intense, with both teams playing for keeps. With seven minutes left on the clock Kyler James earned his hat-trick, assisted by Cooper Ross. Kyler James was looking good out there, scoring another goal at 4:40. The Oil Kings managed to make one more goal before the period ended*, but despite an excellent period were not quite able to catch up. The Chinooks won the game with a four point advantage, 11 – 7.

Both teams played a clean game. Only four penalties were given throughout the course of the game; one to the Oil Kings, and three to the Chinooks.

*We are unsure at this time which member of the Oil Kings scored this final goal. If you have this information feel free to contact us at pinchercreekvoice@gmail.com.

The Novice Chinooks played an away game against Picture Butte on Sunday, January 17.  That game ended in a 7-7 tie.  The Novice "B" Chinooks are in second place in the Spud League standings with 7 wins, 4 losses, and a tie.  In first place is the Lethbridge 2 "A" Novice team with 10 wins and 2 losses. It's a long way down the list from there for the next "B" Novice team.

The Novice Chinooks have an away game scheduled against Coaldale on Saturday, February 2. On February 10 they are scheduled to bring it back home for another game against Picture Butte.  They have 4 regular season games left, three of them here at home.