Let the Rivalry Resume
The Langley Rivermem will head towards the Fraser Valley to take on the Chilliwack Chiefs at Prospera Centre Wednesday (October 30th) The Rivermen come in at 11-5-5-1 and an impressive 7-2-1-0 in their last ten games. One of those two loses came at the hands of the Chiefs who shutout out the Riv 3-0 on October 16th at the Langley Events Centre.
Langley are still sitting on top of the Mainland Division with 24 points. The Chiefs are on the bottom with just 11 points and a 4-9-1-2 record but do hold two games in hand on the Rivermen. Langley are coming off a gutsy overtime victory over the West Kelowna Warriors in a game they trailed 2-0. They were also without the services of Austin Azurdia and James Robinson for the majority of the contest.Both players were assessed blow to the head penalties and given game misconducts.
The Breakdown
The first meeting of the year between the two teams was convincing win in favor of the Chiefs both on the scoreboard, and penalty ledger. Langley was assessed nine minor penalties in that game and could never generate any momentum. Tempers also fared at the end of the game. It would not be surprising to see another physical contest between the division rivals in their second showdown.
Although the Chiefs are in the basement of the division, they have won their last two games and have shown steady improvement after a very slow start to the season. Goal scoring has been what has plagued the Chiefs averaging just over two goals a game and are a -27 in goal differential. The Riv come in at +13 and averaging 3.3 goals a game after putting up 12 goals against the Coquitlam Express last Thursday.
Who to Watch
Mitch McLain continues to lead his team both in scoring with 8 goals and 11 assists on the year, and in the locker room. As the Captain, McLain has really embraced his leadership role and has his teammates buying in. Will Cook seems to have found his scoring touch once again after returning from brief injury stint, included tipping home the overtime winner versus the Warriors on Saturday night. Chris Forney received honorable mention for player of the week after notching 3 goals and 2 assists in last weeks action. Viktor Dombroskiy should return to the line up and be full of confidence after attending the Junior A Challenge Canada West Camp. Travis Maxwell continues to settle in and is starting to round in form after a long road back from injury. Expect Brendon Kearney to draw back into the line up after being scratched last couple games. It will be interesting to see who Coach Bobby Henderson starts between the pipes as both Steve Myland and Brock Crossthwaite have been exceptional and deserve to get the start.
Anytime the Rivermen and Chiefs face off it makes for a great game. Wednesday night should be no different.
As always if you can’t make it to the game the Riv have you covered
Live Video : http://www.fasthockey.com/login.php
Audio Only: http://mixlr.com/
Extras: Be sure and check out Jeff Sargent’s blog for a breakdown of the new BCHL playoff format.
