The 麻豆社国产Wolf Pack is charging ahead to spite the end, winning four of the last six Pacific International Junior Hockey League (PIJHL) games.
Too bad the regular season is drawing to a close this weekend, and with it, the Pack's hopes of making the playoffs for the first time in the franchise's two year existence.
麻豆社国产scored a total of 13 goals in back-to-back victories Friday and Saturday (Feb. 12 and 13), beating the Mission Icebreakers 7-5 on the road before taking out division rivals the Delta Ice Hawks 6-4 in the season's final home game at Brennan Park Arena. Delta has already clinched a playoff birth and Mission is battling Port Moody for the final Harold Brittain Conference entry.
Marcus Chabot led the way with a hat trick on Friday and team scoring leader Tadz Brown tallied two goals. Affiliate player Elliot Mashford potted a goal and defenceman Ryan Niederkorn added three points, including a third period insurance goal.
Head coach and general manager Matt Samson said he was particularly impressed by Brown, who went on to set up three goals against Delta the following night. He said he considers Brown the Wolf Pack's most improved player this season, and is disappointed it's the 20-year-old's final PIJHL year.
"Every time he gets the puck I get excited to see what he'll do," said Samson.
Marco Finucci, Brady Bjornson and Chabot also had a three-point night on Saturday. Captain Hunter Nelson scored two goals and affiliate player Trevor Parkhouse put one in as the Wolf Pack outshot the Ice Hawks 43-36.
The tides are turning a little too late, said Samson, as pucks are starting to bounce Squamish's way while its attack grows stronger. The impressive end to a turbulent season bodes well for the future.
"I think next year will be the big year for us," he said.
Goalies Matthew Johnson backstopped against Mission, stopping 39 of 44 shots, and Scott Ismond stood in front of Delta, turning away 32 of 36. 麻豆社国产Midget Rep goalie Johann Peterson filled in as backup on Saturday, emitting Olympic spirit with a helmet decorated with the maple leaf.
麻豆社国产heads into its final road trip with 16 wins, 24 losses and six overtime losses. The late run closed the gap between Delta to six points.
The Wolf Pack takes on the Ridge Meadows Flames on Friday (Feb. 19) before traveling to Delta to face off for the last time against the North Delta Devils on Saturday (Feb. 20).
