Pity those Langley Hornets.
The Hornets, bottom-feeders in the British Columbia Hockey League’s Mainland Division, were forced to invade Chilliwack Coliseum mere days after the Chiefs suffered their first loss of the season on home ice.
Chilliwack players were hungry for revenge after Saturday’s 6-5 defeat to Salmon Arm, and took it out on Langley Wednesday. The Chiefs fired a season-high 63 shots at the Hornets, including a whopping 30 in the second period , and crushed the Hornets 9-2 in a yawner with 1,151 fans watching.
“I thought that Salmon Arm game was a kick for us, and I think we responded quite well,” says head coach Harvey Smyl. “I think our guys were really focussed. Royston and Duncan – the guys we count on to be leaders and set the stage for us – were prepared to play.”
Gone are the days when these bitter rivals give fans exciting hockey, and, if there is a substantial lead late in the game, a few fights to boot.
Chilliwack and Langley combined for just 18 minor penalties, with the Chiefs capitalizing on four-of-nine power play opportunities.
It was a special night for one Chilliwack player in particular. Cody Schlamb, a Chilliwack Minor Hockey Association product, got into the Chiefs line-up for the second time this season, and scored his first two BCHL goals.
“Ever since I was a little kid, I’ve wondered what it would be like to score as a Chilliwack Chief,” said Schlamb, who was selected one of the game stars. “It was a rush. I got a good pass from (David) Rutherford, and was fortunate to score.”
Schlamb’s first goal came at 3:21 of the second period. It was the first shot Langley back-up goaltender Wyatt Russell faced, after he replaced a shell-shocked Cam Norris-Jones. Russell, the son of actors Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn, saw a lot of pucks Wednesday. The second shot he faced, off the stick of Chris Tarkir, also found the back of the net.
Schlamb finished the two-goal performance when he beat Russell at 14:46 of the third period.
“The first time, I was running on adrenaline, and the excitement,” says Schlamb of his first opportunity to play with the Chiefs, which came Oct. 29 against Langley. “When I got out there tonight, it felt a little more routine. But, it’s still exciting playing in front of these people.”
Proving just how bad Langley is, the Chiefs, who have won seven of eight games against the Hornets, dressed five Junior B players from Abbotsford. Joining Schlamb were Chilliwack native Nolan Julseth-White, along with Rutherford, Mark Santorelli, and back-up goalie Drew Martz. Rutherford one-upped Schlamb, scoring once, and adding two assists.
“I think Cody played extremely well,” insisted Smyl, who had the four skaters on the ice at the same time during a Chilliwack power play in the second period. “I thought that line played very well, and deserved an opportunity. I’ve had a chance to watch them play a couple of times this year. I like their energy, I like they way they think the game, and I like their skill.”
Chris Tarkir also scored twice, Royston had two assists, and Duncan scored once and added one assist.
Tyler Burton, who had a goal and two assists, now has 52 points, and a seven-point cushion on Salmon Arm’s Travis Zajac in the scoring race.
Linemate Adam Powell had a three-assist night, and is tied for third in league scoring, with a BCHL-high 25 goals, and 44 points.
The Chiefs, now 18-8, increased their lead in the Mainland Division to four points over South Surrey. Coquitlam is 10 points back of Chilliwack with three games in hand.
The Chiefs face the Express this evening at 7:30 p.m. in Coquitlam. The Express will travel to Chilliwack Wednesday, Nov. 26.
