In Trail Commercial Hockey League action on the weekend, Re/Max returned to top spot as they squeaked out a 5-4 win over the Allstars on Sunday.
Led by last year’s league scoring champion Graham Proulx, who has already counted 11 goals and seven assists in seven games, and backstopped by a rock-steady Chris McIsaac, Re/Max looks to be the team to beat, as they jumped out to a five-win two loss record, and overtook a faltering Arlington squad.
After a sizzling start, the Big A has dropped its last three games including a 7-0 drubbing to OK Tire Sunday. Rocky Dickson picked up the shut out for the Tire, who also have struggled early this season with a 2-2-3 record. However, the 2012 TCHL playoff champions should get plenty of offence from Shane Drake and Shawn Venturini, and are anchored by good goaltending and a formidable defensive core led by Darrin Kissock, Kevin Chartres, Kyle Boutin, and Cam Ferguson. The Tire should be in the mix again at the end of the year.
The Arlington has improved markedly from last season and enjoy a bevy of offensive weapons in Harlam Kingfisher, Jeremy Robinson, Darryl Zol, and Matt Proulx, but after two early-season wins over Re/Max, inconsistent play has plagued the team.
The Allstars or former Rex Red Army, are coming off a 6-4 win over Firebird on Saturday. The Allstars are led offensively by Mark Hutchinson, who counted the tying and winning goals in a wild nine-goal first period outburst that saw the Allstars take a 5-4 lead into the second frame.
Last season, the Allstars lost to eventual champion OK Tire in the semifinal and are likely to challenge for a top spot in the tightly contested league this season as well.
Firebird is winless and have struggled offensively scoring just 13 goals in its opening six games. Forward Craig Clare leads the team, counting six goals and three assists.
TCHL action resumes tonight with the Arlington taking on the Old Timers at 7:15 p.m. at the Cominco Arena. On Thursday, OK Tire takes on the Allstars at 7:15 p.m. and Re/Max plays Firebird at 8:30 p.m.
Go to tchl.ca for more info.