The Trail Smoke Eaters started their four-game Coastal road swing on a high Wednesday, topping the conference-leading Surrey Eagles by a 3-1 score.
First period tallies by Graeme Strukoff and Matthew Laboucane staked the Smokies to a two-goal lead that would stand until BCHL scoring leader Richard Vanderhoek capitalized on an Eagles power-play at the 13:11 mark of the third. But an insurance marker by team captain Trail victory.
Kiefer Smiley picked up the win and a first star nod following a 27-save performance while Surrey counterpart Vinny Lessard saw 40 shots in the loss. The Smokies continue their road trip on Thursday with a visit to Langley.
Meanwhile, in Cowichan Valley, the Capitals picked up their first win of the young season with a 3-2 triumph over Westside. Mike Hammond put the Caps ahead early and Chase Kasier netted the game winner at the 15:48 mark of the third period after the teams had traded second period goals. Alex Peck was a difference-maker in net for the home team, turning aside 48 shots in the victory.
In Salmon Arm, the SIlverBacks scored a pair of first period power-play markers in the span of 29 seconds and never looked back en route to a 5-3 victory over the Prince George Spruce Kings. Devin Gannon led the way with two goals and an assist for the 'Backs, while Kris Moore turned aside 27 shots in the win. Nick DeSousa and Chris Bodo each tallied two points in the loss for Prince George.
There are a pair of BCHL games on tap Thursday as Trail visits Langley and Penticton hosts Salmon Arm. Catch all the action with BCHL Live pay-per-view through the video portal on the front page of this website.
