Despite solid team defence and incredible goaltending, the much improved Campbell River REHN Enterprises Atom A Tyees dropped a pair of games in Victoria over the Valentine’s Day weekend.
The Tyees started on Saturday against the high-powered Juan de Fuca A Grizzlies with a 5-3 loss. Linemates Bryce Idiens and Evan Billard scored carbon copy goals by creating turnovers and using their speed to beat Juan de Fuca defenders. Wyatt Dumont and Billard assisted on a power play goal scored from the point by Brett Ruehlen.
Josh Doherty was solid in net facing 52 shots in the loss. Diminutive left winger, Breydan Riecker, earned the hard hat while playing like a giant.
The Tyees visited the 7 and 1, first place Racquet Club Kings on Sunday, and ended up with a 5-1 loss. Riecker scored a highlight reel goal with a top shelf snap shot. Goaltender Marcus Shankar received the hard hat making 49 saves, including several on high quality scoring chances.
Coach Craig Idiens says, “The hard work that the kids have been putting in all season is beginning to show itself in our games. We’ve come a long way from losing 13-1, 10-1, 11-2, to now 5-3 and 5-1 to the perennial power houses of the South Island. It’s nice to see the vast improvement in their play and I’m really happy for the kids because they have taken their losses on the chin and have never quit on each other. Every week they show up to practice with smiles on their faces ready to work their tails off.”
The Kings will be in Campbell River for the Tyees’ final regular season game on Feb 23 at 1:15pm.