The Langley Rivermen opened up the new year with two games at home against the Prince George Spruce Kings and the Surrey Eagles. Looking back at 2019, the Rivermen played well, coming into 2020 with an even record. The play of rookie forwards Tristan Fraser and Joseph Musa has been welcomed with open arms as both players are close to having 30 points each. Leading goal scorer Brendan Budy has over a point per game this season and the Rivermen will lean on him to make a deep playoff run. But first, they face the boys from the north in the Spruce Kings and the pesky Surrey Eagles.
Spruce Kings Come To Town
Kalen Szeto potted two as the Rivermen fall 4-3 to the Spruce Kings
Next Game: Saturday night vs. Surrey at the Lodge pic.twitter.com/SDf6LPZQqA
— Langley Rivermen (@LangleyRivermen) January 4, 2020
On Friday night, the Rivermen welcomed the Spruce kings to town for a Mainland Division tilt. The Spruce Kings came out fast in the first period as they were able to score three times on goals from Corey Cunningham, Evan Orr and Nick Bochen. The second period was quiet with no goals however, the Rivermen outshot PG 9-2. In the third period, the Spruce Kings scored quick, as Preston Brodziak got one past Braedon Fleming on the power play. The Rivermen answered back under a minute later as Kaeden Patrick picked up his ninth of the season. Kalen Szeto picked up a shorthanded goal and a power play goal, but that was all the offense the Rivermen could get as the Spruce Kings held on for a 4-3 win. The Rivermen had no time to dwell on the loss as they welcomed the rival Eagles the following night.
Rivermen Down The Eagles
Riv Win!
Five different players contributed to the scoring, lead by Hubbarde with a hat-trick. #RivNation pic.twitter.com/5WJEePL7bq
— Langley Rivermen (@LangleyRivermen) January 5, 2020
The Eagles came to town on Saturday night looking to climb closer to the Rivermen in the standings, but Langley had other intentions. The first period only saw one goal as Rivermen forward Matthew Hubbarde kicked off his offensive explosion mid-way through the opening frame. The second period saw the Eagles go up 2-1 on goals from Cristophe Tellier and Adamo Santia, but with only a few minutes left, Tristan Fraser scored for Langley to tie the game at two. The third period saw the Rivermen explode. The goal-scoring kicked off with Brendan Budy getting his 17th of the season. Musa and Patrick each scored and Hubbarde added two more for his first BCHL hat trick. The Rivermen sent the Eagles home with a big 7-2 victory.
Langley now heads to the Okanagan on Wednesday to play a mid-week game against the always-tough Penticton Vees.
