Wednesday 15 January 2014

Tough loss lends small victories

The Trail Smoke Eaters were up 2-0 at one point Saturday night against one of the league's top teams - the Penticton Vees. However, they would not be able to hold on and had the unfortunate fate of a 3-2 loss on home ice.

"You know, we're happy [with the effort], we want guys who want to play in Trail. [Guys] who are going to play with pride and passion, [guys] who are going to bring some energy and I think that's what we saw," said Assistant Coach Craig Clare as the team's overhauled roster tries to create some chemistry.

Only 10 players remain from the original 22 that dawned the orange and black at the beginning of the season.


Ironically, AP foward Riley Brandt would act as a spark plug for the Trail Smoke Eaters, opening the scoring with three minutes left in the first frame.

Brandt started the season with the team but was released last month and rejoined the 2011-2012 KIJHL champion Beaver Valley Nite Hawks. Upon his return, B.V lost the first game with Brandt back in the lineup, but then won 10 straight. A stretch where the feisty forward had 12 points.

"[Riley] had a heck of a game, really good game!" claimed Clare. "He's been in B.V [and has been playing] really well."

We'll get back to Riley in a second, unfortunately.

The only thing Trail did wrong in the second period was give a good team, too many good opportunities. The Vees showered Smokies netminder Adam Todd with 20 shots in the second, getting three past him.

The rest would seem like it didn't matter, but it did.

For a young team with very little identity and a last place record to stay even and compete with the division top squad who is looking to make a run at their third straight BCHL championship final is nothing to ignore.

Ultimately however, and it might be odd to say, one of the best signs for this club during Saturday's  defeat was when Head Coach Nick Deschenes was ejected in the dying moments of the third period.

Deschenes was very vocal when referee Mike Boisvert made no call after forward Riley Brandt's head was drilled into the glass by 6'3" Penticton blueliner Christopher Rygus, leaving Brandt laying on the ice and bleeding from the forehead.

Boisvert didn't skate to the Smokies' bench when Deschenes demanded an answer to why no penalty was called.

But it didn't matter. No matter what answer the Smoke Eaters bench boss was given it wasn't going to matter.

Deschenes was making a point. He hadn't given up on the game. With 40 seconds left in the third period, down a goal to the Interior's best team and robbed of a penalty, he wanted to show to his players, that now matter what the circumstances - he will not give up.

It wouldn't be surprising if that idea crossed the mind of many people in and around that dressing room this season - giving up.

And even with a 4-15-2-1 record at Cominco Arena and just eight wins in 42 outings this season, Deschenes heart is very much in it and wearing it on his sleeve isn't necessarily a bad thing right now, as it shows his players, during this tough time, he cares.

Rygus was suspended for two games by the BCHL for his hit on Brandt.

The Smokies kick off a three game road trip Friday when they visit the defending league champion Surrey Eagles, followed by stops in Langley and Coquitlam.

They return back to Cominco Arena Friday January 24th to, once again, face Surrey.








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