With both coaches emphasizing defensive responsibility, it was the offenses that carried the night at Cominco Arena.
The Smoke Eaters fired 54 shots on goal on their way to a 7-3 win over Cowichan Valley in front of just over 1,600 fans, including many parents of players.
It would appear to be a great save by Trail goalie Ryan Parker that opened the floodgates. He stretched his left leg to make a sensational skate stop and seconds later Adam Marshall sniped a shot into the top corner from the left-wing circle at 2:49.
Eight short seconds later, Capitals defenceman Wesley Golden mishandled the puck, scoring on his own net. The goal was credited to Cam Johnsen, the rookie’s first in the BCHL.
Mathieu Cobetto-Roy gave the Smoke Eaters a 3-0 lead about five minutes later with a sizzling snap shot from the slot. The Trail centreman had a wild weekend, adding a third period assist finishing the home double-header with three goals and two helpers.
Parker only faced 10 shots in the first period but made three great saves including a cross-crease slide to take away what looked like a sure goal.
The Capitals hit the scoresheet early in the second period as Darius Bachler converted a 2-on-1 break, reminiscent of Friday against Nanaimo, but Trail tallied a key goal in the final minute.
Jason Stefanek tapped in the rebound of an Ethan Warrener point shot that deflected off a Capitals defenseman to give the Smokies a 4-1 lead after two periods, but Cowichan didn’t go away.
Brock Cummings lifted a backhander past Parker just 31-seconds into the third period, but the other Stefanek scored a key momentum stopping goal.
Chase deflected an Alec Whipple point shot four minutes later to make it 5-2 and the deal sealer came just after the eight minute mark on Max Potvin’s wrister from a sharp angle.
The teams traded goals late in the final frame including a Lucas Marshall top corner shot from the left wing circle.
The Stefanek’s also had a goal and an assist, while Jack Kennedy and Adam Parsons produced two assists each.
Ironically, in a game that featured 10 goals, none came on the power play. Trail was 0-for-3 and Cowichan 0-for-4.
Parker made 27 saves including some show-stoppers to pick up his 5th win of the season as Trail moved back to the .500 mark at 8-8-4.
The Smokies hit the road again next weekend with games Friday in Vernon and Saturday in Merritt, with both broadcast on Mixlr and FloHockey.
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