By Bob Hall - Selkirk College
The Selkirk College Saints return home this weekend riding a three-game winning streak after a pair of victories over the University of Victoria Vikes.
Selkirk College sniper and Trail native Dallas Calvin scored the 5-4 shootout winner Friday night and rookie goaltender Austin Wells recorded his first British Columbia Intercollegiate Hockey League (BCIHL) win on Saturday night to pace the Saints on their island visit.
“It was a great outcome and exactly what we needed at this early point of the season,” says Saints head coach Brent Heaven. “The most encouraging aspect of the weekend was that both games were solid team efforts that had every player contributing.”
After a long bus ride to Vancouver Island on Friday, the Saints managed to get off to an impressive opening period that featured the first goal of the season by Calvin and a power-play marker by Matt Martin. The teams exchanged goals in the second period and when Saints’ rookie Jack Mills scored early in the third, Selkirk College held a 4-1 lead.
Not ready to go down without a fight in front of a home crowd, the Vikes scored three unanswered goals to tie the game by the end of regulation. When overtime solved nothing, a shootout was required to settle the contest. Selkirk College starter Brett Huber stopped all three Victoria shooters and the former Trail Smoke Eater, Calvin, scored to give the visitors the 5-4 win.
“It was disappointing to let that third period lead slip away, but the guys rallied when it counted and it’s always exciting to win on the last shot of the game,” says Heaven.
Calvin also added two assists in the match, and was named the BCIHL player of the week for his three-point effort.
“It’s pretty cool, I mean our team played two really good games this weekend,” said Calvin on ‘Inside the BCHL.’ “I think I had a lot of chances leading up to that (first goal), and they just weren’t going in so it’s nice to finally get one and hopefully keep going from there.”
Calvin was named to the BCIHL’s first all-star team in 2015-16, and finished second overall in league scoring with 20 goals and 38 points.
On Saturday night, Saints’ rookie Wade Johnson scored two minutes into the game to keep the momentum rolling for Selkirk College. The Vikes tied the score five minutes later, but goals by Alex Milligan and Dane Feeney in the middle frame restored the cushion. With five minutes left in the third period, Jordan Rauser provided insurance for the 4-1 victory.
“Four different players scored on Saturday night and every line contributed,” says Heaven. “It’s still early, but the guys are starting to find some chemistry and realizing that every player has a role in helping the team win.”
The Selkirk Saints are hosting their annual Cancer Awareness Game this Friday at 7 p.m. at the Castlegar and District Rec Complex.
Join the Saints hockey team as it takes on Eastern Washington University. Fans are encouraged to dress in pink during the special game that is dedicated to raising breast cancer awareness and funds for the Canadian Cancer Society.
Game sponsor EZ Rock will be on hand for this fun evening, which will include a moment of silence before the game to honour those who have lost their lives to cancer and in-game announcements in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
The Saints will be hosting a 50/50, with half the proceeds donated to the cause.