The Langley Rivermen managed to win two key games on one of the longest road trips of the season. The wins over the Salmon Arm Silverbacks and Prince George Spruce Kings proved that the Riv can keep pace in the strong Mainland Division.
The first game of the roadtrip saw Langley make the trip east to West Kelowna. A three-goal 2nd period sealed the deal for the Warriors as they took down the Riv 4-3. Mike Hardman led the way for the home side with two goals. Tanner Versluis countered with two goals of his own.
They made the trip up the next night to Salmon Arm. In a back and forth game with the Silverbacks, Langley tied the game late on a Trevor Ayre goal. Ethan Leyh would pot the game winner in overtime for his second goal of the game and a 4-3 victory.
To conclude the long trip, the Riv traveled up to Prince George for a two game set. The first game saw the Rivermen give the nationally-ranked Spruce Kings a show with a 4-0 win. Recently-acquired goalie Shayne Battler recorded his first shutout with the Riv, stopping all 27 shots he faced.
Prince George bounced back the next night for a 2-1 win over Langley in what was a hard fought game by both teams. Ryley Lanthier scored the lone goal for the Rivermen. Despite the loss, Braedon Fleming put up a strong performance in goal, stopping 41 of 43 shots.
The Rivermen will play one more road game in Chilliwack on Wednesday before coming home for six straight games before the holiday break. On Saturday night, the Trail Smoke Eaters will be in town. The following afternoon sees the Nanaimo Clippers pay a visit for the Teddy Bear Toss game. This is the first of three special event games in December with Food Bank Night landing on the 15th and Christmas at the Lodge on the 21st.
Tickets for home games can be purchased at the George Preston Recreation Centre “The Lodge” box office 45 minutes before puck drop and by calling 604-229-2352 or emailing tickets@langleyrivermen.com.
