Stickmen and Shamrocks First Exhibition Game

The Surrey Stickmen coaching staff had their first look at the 2007 hopefuls in real game action April 9th against the Victoria Shamrocks at Juan de Fuca Arena, Victoria. The Stickmen got off to a three to one lead in the first period and lead three to two after the first frame. The Shamrocks scored five unanswered goals in the second period and both teams exchanged one goal each in the third period for an eight to four Shamrock win.

The Stickmen did not have five of their regulars in the line up and the big name, off season acquisition, Kyle Starchuk only played the first period. Head Coach Curtis Gulliford said "I am happy with the intensity and work ethic of our club. Obviously we have some things to work on. I was impressed with the play of some of our rookies. The Shamrocks will have a good team this year." The Shamrocks are expected to be a contender for a Minto Cup berth, the National Championship, to be held in New Westminster in August.

Veteran, John Ballantine, had an outstanding game scoring one goal and assisting on two others. Other Stickmen goal scorers were Devon Murphy, Matt Hannah, and Graham Weidenhammer. Scott Bobrownik and Dave Johnson each had an assist. Both veteran goaltenders Cody Lewis and Brandon Smith play a period each and were outstanding. Rookie goaltender Jared Beaulieu struggled early in the second period, but found his game and made several big saves.

Mike Pires and Joel Henry scored two goals each for Victoria while Kyle Morwick had 2 assists an Dave Sundher had 3 assists. Goaltenders Matt Flindell and Matt Oldroyd combined to make 13 stops for the Shamrocks.

The Stickmen have three more exhibition games before their home opener on April 28th at North Surrey Rec Centre.