Day Two of Ball Breaker

By Jen Mutas

After a days rest for the Saints Alumni Game, Sunday was the final day for the Ball Breaker Tournament in Poco. Friday night saw Coquitlam defeat the Stickmen, Port Coquitlam take the Salmonbellies, and Burnaby win over Delta.

Game 1 - Delta vs New West

Game one on day two was between Delta and New West, both teams coming off losses on Friday. New West was first on the board when Eric Lewthwaite walked right in and had no problem splitting Deltas defense for the goal.

After another New West goal the 'Bellies had a 2-0 lead to head into the second. Delta kept their possession a lot better in the second and looks a lot more focused on the task at hand. Jason Jones was the first and only goal scorer for the Islanders when he threw the ball past Neil Tyacke.

Ray Hodgkinson was put in for Tyacke with eight and a half minutes to go in the second, and on a delayed penalty call Kyle Starchuk rifled a ball in from the point to give the New West a 3-1 lead.

Delta had a power play to start the final frame, thanks to Alex Turner being called for a high stick with 21 seconds left in the second period. But the 'Bellies finished what they started, and ended up scoring three more goals by the end of the game. Jeff Sproule had two goals in the third, and Turner shot one in on the power play for good measure.

There was a better pace to the third, but the tone of the game was set by New West in the first and Delta just couldn't catch up. Final score from game one was 6-1 for the 'Bellies.

Game 2 - Coquitlam vs Burnaby

Game two was an anticipated match-up between Burnaby and Coquitlam- this time both teams were coming off wins from day one.

I expected this game to be one of controlled play and execution. Burnaby's play looked a little rusty to start, but they managed a good looking power play goal from Lindsay Flynn halfway through the first to get things going for the game.

After Milerad Kos was called for the backcheck, Coquitlam had four minutes with the man advantage to convert. Scott Defrancesco evened up the score to take it into the second with a one-all tie.

With seven minutes gone in the middle frame, Ryan Kwasnica scored again for the Adanacs, followed by Travis Cornwall who shot five hole from way out. Tom Wray replaced Smith in the Burnaby net right after the Cornwall goal.

The second ended on a physical note, lots of pushing and shoving but no real action to show for it.

New A's net minder Chris Seidel got the nod to start the third, and his team backed him up with two more goals to finish the game 5-1 for Coquitlam.

Game 3 - Port Coquitlam vs South Fraser

Final game of the evening saw the ever-lasting rival between South Fraser and Port Coquitlam.

From the first period possession seemed to be the issue again for the Stickmen, having their fair share of chances but not being able to convert. The only penalties in the opening frame was too many men- called on both teams; but with eight minutes left, Trevor Evans scored on Mike Lowe to give the host team the lead.

The Saints came out in the second with their eyes on the prize, and caught South Fraser off their game. Brennan Galbriaith had a couple of shots in the second that resulted in goals- one well executed screened play, and the other was just a straight shot from the top of the crease.

Jordan Flaman was playing great all-around ball for Poco, and picked a spot in the back of the South Fraser net from way outside the crease.

The Saints earned their 5-0 lead to head into the third, but the Stickmen were getting frustrated and halfway through the third Richard Willmott put one past Jeff Lissmore.

Between the two teams there was nine penalties called in the final frame, so there was lots of 4 on 3 play which made for great end to end action.

Flaman threw another goal in for Poco but after that it was mostly penalties and pushing and shoving. Graham Weidenhammer and Robert Kraakman were the closest to fighting, but after Weidenhammer chucked his helmet off, Kraakman wasn't having any of it. The crowd was definitely hoping for a good scrap after all the chippy play that was going on in the third.

Mike Lowe redeemed himself from his performance in the second, stopping 19 shots in the third and coming up with key saves when the Stickmen needed a boost. Towards the end of the period the Stickmen looked way more comfortable with their passing and transitions, and Ryan Harwood managed one more goal before the game was through.

Final score was 7-2 for the Poco hosts, and final shots on net were 14 for South Fraser and 39 for the Saints.

The Ball Breaker tourney this weekend was just what fans needed to get their minds back on track with the sport they love. There were some surprises, some expected outcomes, but all in all a good preview of what's to come for the BCJALL in 2008. 

Regular season starts this Wednesday at Bill Copland Arena between the Lakers and Stickmen. Check the BCJALL website for complete schedule and times.