Langley BC—The Langley Rivermen put their best skate forward on Saturday night and shut out the Chilliwack Chiefs 4-0 to improve their record to 16-9-1-2. The victory keeps the Riv one point behind the Spruce Kings in the standings which sets up a first place showdown this coming Wednesday.
Tonight was the closest to a full 60 minutes the Riv have played so far this season as they dominated in all three zones on the ice. Langley came at the Chiefs in waves in the early stages of the first period and did not take their foot off the gas pedal all game. Special teams would play a huge factor tonight and it started on a short handed snipe from Nathan Craft. Matt Ustaski would put the Riv up 2-0 sliding home a puck from a bad angle past helpless Spencer Tremblay.
Period two began just like the first with the Rivermen all over the Chiefs which resulted in their first power play opportunity. James Robinson would set up Will Cook in the low slot from behind the goal and Cook would roof home Langley’s 4th power play goal in their last three games. Just under a minute later while short handed Ustaski would find Mitch McLain all alone in front of the goal. The Captain showed great patience out waiting Tremblay to make it 4-0 while scoring their second shorthanded goal of the game.
A rather uneventful third frame as Langley drubbed the Chiefs into submission and ran out the clock, finishing the game in workmen like fashion to secure the convincing victory.
Brock Crossthwaite got back to back starts and deservingly so as #1 is starting to emerge as the number one, improving his record to 9-4 including two shutouts. Another strong performance from Gage Torrel as the shifty winger looks better with every game and now has 7 points in his last five games. Jakob Reichert got the decision after good tilt with Shay Laurent answering the bell as Laurent tried to spark his club.
If the Rivermen can continue the game they played tonight into Wednesday’s clash with Prince George, it should set up as the marquee match up in the BCHL this coming week.
The Stats
Final Score: Rivermen 4 Chiefs 0
Shots on Goal: Rivermen 40 Chiefs 27
Special Teams: Rivermen 1 for 2 Chiefs 0 for 5
3 Stars: 1st Will Cook 2nd Matt Ustaski 3rd Brock Crossthwaite
