In welcoming two division rivals to the Lodge this past weekend, the Rivermen knew they had a tough few days ahead of them. Through complete team efforts and some strong individual performances they pulled out two victories in front of the home crowd. These wins proved that Langley is a force to be reckoned with this season.
For the first game of two, the Coquitlam Express rolled into town with top record in the Mainland Division. Riv forward Devin Leduc drove the offense, scoring both Langley goals in the second period en route to a 2-0 Rivermen victory. As per usual, goaltender Braedon Fleming was a brick wall, stopping all 27 shots that he faced. The two teams combined for 42 penalty minutes, which seems normal for Langley matchups nowadays.
The following night, the Surrey Eagles made a visit, and the rough and rowdy business was back again. The Rivermen controlled the better part of the game before Surrey came close to mounting a comeback in the latter part of the match. Tanner Versluis opened the scoring in the first, Jonathan Stein found the back of the net in the second, and Brian Scoville added to the lead early in the third to put the boys in blue up 3-0. Soon after, Surrey found scoring from Cristophe Tellier and Hudson Schandor to bring them within one. Then, insanity ensued. In a weird and wacky play that saw Stein hit one post and seemingly find the inside of the net by the other post, the Rivermen players began celebrating the goal as one official waved it off. After some altercations between players and discussion between officials, the goal counted, but the Riv were hit with a seven minute penalty. Surrey pounced on the opportunity and scored once, but eventually Brendan Budy potted an empty netter to seal the deal and a 5-3 win.
In winning six of their last eight games, the Rivermen have gained ground in the division standings. Now they begin a five-game road swing, beginning on Wednesday in Coquitlam. They return home on November 8th to host the Chilliwack Chiefs.
Tickets for home games can be purchased online at HappsNow.com, 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.
