New Goalie Leads Jr Thunder in Narrow Loss to Coquitlam

The Langley Jr. Thunder came close – very close – to ending the Coquitlam Adanacs unbeaten record this season at the Langley Events Centre, Thursday night.

The final score: Coquitlam 10 – Langley 9, was the closest any team has come to beating the Adanacs this year.

The Thunder called on new goal keeper Ray Hodgkinson to face over 60 shots – twice the number Langley fired at the Coquitlam net.

Coquitlam took an early lead with a quick goal in the first 27 seconds. Langley answered 12 seconds later to even the score.

In the rest of the first period, the Adanacs were unusually aggressive during play and during breaks. After one fight that resulted in 15 minutes of penalties to each team, play settled down and the Adanacs focused on the Langley defense. Although there were some holes in the defense, they were hard to find, and continued aggressive checking meant that the Adanac shooters were always under pressure.

Langley led 3-2 after the first period, 7-6 after the second.

In the third, Coquitlam regained the lead at 8:52. Langley appeared to tire and managed only two goals, while seeing Coquitlam score 4 to get the one goal margin they needed for the victory.

It was the first time this season that Coquitlam has managed only one goal more than its opponents.

The next Langley Thunder home game is Saturday, May 23rd at 4:00 pm when they host the Nanaimo Timbermen. Next Thursday, May 28th the Thunder host the New Westminster Salmonbellies at 7:30 pm at the Langley Events Centre.

Scoring for Thunder:

Mitch Dibblee, 3 goals, 1 assist
Richard Willmott, 2 goals
Andrew Bromley, 1 goal, 4 assists
Scott Davidson, 1 goal, 4 assists
Sean Messenger, 1 goal, 1 assist
Greg Mahoney, 1 goal
Mike King, 1 assist
Matt Gibson, 1 assist
Devin Wilson, 1 assist
Ray Hodgkinson (G), 1 assist