DELTA, B.C – One win is a win, but two in a row? That’s a streak.
The Delta Ice Hawks carried forward from their momentous overtime win against the Port Coquitlam Trailblazers the night previous, ready to give their home fans a show as they set their sights on securing their first win at Sungod Arena since last season’s home opener.
Delta called upon Zach Shaughnessy to man the crease, bolstered by some well-needed rest after starting the first five games of the season. Across the ice skated his Chilliwack counterpart, Cassius Ford.
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1st Period
Chilliwack was quick to test Shaughnessy, scoring their first goal of the game 58 seconds into the period via Danyil Denisenko.
Undeterred, Delta found their answer soon afterwards thanks to Beckett Cross, with assists from Neland Voshell and Devun Olfert.
Jets forward Ayden Pimm put the puck into the netting, his delay of game penalty bringing out the first power play opportunity of the contest. Though the penalty had expired, the man-advantage paid off with Grady Lenton cashing in for the go-ahead goal, his fourth of the season.
Lenton’s effort stood as the advantage marker at the closing of the first period. Delta held court in the shots department, turning 16 shots into two goals, while Chilliwack converted one of their 10 shots into a goal.
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2nd Period
Chilliwack once again controlled early play, as Jets forward Kolton Eady scored for his first in the league to tie the game at 2-all.
Ice Hawks team leadership responded quickly, with Devun Olfert stepping up to regain the lead, scoring his second goal in as many games.
Colin Jang’s penalty for holding granted the Chilliwack Jets their first chance on the power play, but the line held strong. However, the pesky Jets managed another game-tying stunner, this time from Alexander Jacques.
Delta’s leadership continued to answer the call, with Lenton’s unassisted goal serving as an exclamation point to return his squad to the lead.
Further penalties in the period were assessed to Hawks defenceman KJ Merriman, for hooking, and Jets forward Jacques, for slashing. Neither would result in a power play goal, as the second period ended with a 4-3 lead for Delta.
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3rd Period
Shaughnessy was perfect the rest of the way, turning away all 10 shots he faced from Chilliwack in the final frame. Ford, in the opposing net, denied all eight shots he faced as the 4-3 lead for Delta loomed large over the contest.
The Ice Hawks were offered two further chances at the power play, separated by a spat of four-on-four. Voshell was called for holding, while Chilliwack forward Logan Martin was assessed an embellishment minor.
Delta’s final power play look of the night helped them keep the game in their control with time ticking away, just 2:38 to go.
The final buzzer sounded, with the Hawks defending and securing the lead, collecting their second win of the season.
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