The British Columbia Hockey League's 2010/11 season opened with seven games on Friday night, and the Trail Smoke Eaters sure to grab the attention of the Interior Conference opponents with an offensive outburst in a big home-ice win.
Veteran forwards Sam Mellor, Travis St. Denis and Shawn Jacklin combined for nine points and the Smokies struck four times in the first half of the second period to cruise to an 8-2 victory over the visiting Merritt Centennials. The damage done by an Adam Boytnick tally with one second remaining in the opening period seemed to affect the Cents, as Trail then scored twice in the opening 41 seconds of the middle frame.
Newcomers Max Vallis and Brandon Pfeil replied for Merritt, who goaltending tandem of Tyler Steel and Jared Anderson were busy in facing 43 shots. Steel entered in relief of the 20-year old early in the second and stopped 20 of the 23 shots he faced in just over 39 minutes of action.
The Centennials will have the opportunity to draw even on their two-game visit to Trail when the teams face off again at 7:30 PM on Saturday.
In Westside, the Penticton Vees rode a fine defensive effort and a first-star performance from new starting netminder Joel Rumpel to a 1-0 road victory over their Okanagan rivals. Joey Holka scored the game's lone goal in the final minute of the second period on a set-up from Brendan O'Donnell and Garrett Milan, beating an otherwise perfect Kevin Boyle in his Warriors' debut.
In Vernon, the two-time defending RBC Champion Vipers raised another banner to the rafters but went on a to drop a 4-1 decision to the Salmon Arm SilverBacks. Dylan Walchuk gave the hosts a brief first period lead, but goals from Devin Muller and Brett Knowles swung the tide before intermission. Jarryd Ten Vaanholdt and Taylor Fauchoux scored to salt away the victory in the third.
In Surrey, the Eagles fired 43 shots on Langley Chiefs' starter Wyatt Galley but dropped a 5-3 decision to their Lower Mainland rivals. Galley's performance included 22 saves during a first period in which the Chiefs converted on both ends of a 5-on-3 power-play. Matt Ius set up three Langley goals, while Richard Vanderhoek, Brad McGowan and Jeff Vanderlugt replied for the host side.
In Powell River, the Kings began their quest for a third straight Coastal Conference title in style with a 3-0 shutout victory over Alberni Valley. Michael Garteig posted the goose egg while Matt Garbowsky and Chad Niddery each contributed a goal and three points. Frank Slubowski took the loss despite a 31-save effort that included 19 second period shots.
In Victoria, the Grizzlies let a lead slip away but ultimately grabbed two points when offseason addition Ryan Stanimir scored in overtime to secure a 6-5 victory against a determined Coquitlam Express squad. The visitors scored a trio of third period goals, nearly ruining a three-point night from Joel Lowry. Express forward Destry Straight marked his first BCHL game with a pair of assists.
Saturday action includes seven games around the province:
- Quesnel at Prince George, 7:00 PM
- Westside at Penticton, 7:00 PM
- Surrey at Langley, 7:00 PM
- Vernon at Salmon Arm, 7:00 PM
- Merritt at Trail, 7:30 PM
- Nanamo at Powell River, 7:30 PM
- Coquitlam at Cowichan Valley, 7:30 PM
