The Victoria Shamocks (2-0) didn’t dominate the visiting Maple Ridge Burrards (0-2) on Friday, but they nearly did, winning 8-4.
Rookie head coach Bob Heyes wants to see more from his offensive group, starting with a home game against the Nanaimo Timbermen (2-1) Friday night (June 1), at 7:45 p.m. at Bear Mountain Arena.
“With the group we have, we should be more effective offensively,” Heyes said. “We scored goals when we needed to (Friday) but we made it hard on ourselves.”
The ’Rocks controlled the first and third periods against the Burrards, but a let down in the second period allowed the Burrards to take a 4-3 lead.
When you keep the other team to four goals, defence isn’t the problem.
Local boy Mike Pires was named the first star with two goals, one in the second and one in the third. He also got into a fight at the final buzzer sounded, with Kevin Reid.
“First (fight) of my life, don’t even know how it started,” Pires said.
“I think we were good (on Friday), and the other team will have their pushes, but we don’t want to get in that situation.”
Corey Small was also key up front with a natural hat trick that tied the game 4-4 and put the ’Rocks up 6-4.
“We have a good mix of kids and vets,” Heyes said. “The kids have lots of energy, and instead of a few guys doing it all it’s everybody.
Matt Flindell was solid in net with 34 saves on 38 shots.