The Smoke Eaters play their first game in the BCHL Showcase this holiday Monday afternoon in Abbotsford after a Thanksgiving Sunday on the ferry and bus for the boys from Trail.
The Trail troupe left the island with three of a possible four points after Saturday’s stunning 6-5 win in overtime over the Grizzlies in Victoria.
The Smokies look to improve on their 5-2-1-1 record against an improving crew from Cowichan Valley.
The Capitals raised their record to 3-5 with Sunday’s 4-2 showcase opening win over the Vernon Vipers.
The Caps relinquished a 2-0 lead after one period.
Noah Grolnic, who opened the scoring, assisted on the winning and insurance goals into an empty net, behind the 29 save first star performance from goalie Dylan Krick. Cowichan Valley has won three of their last five games.
Camden Bajzer has a team leading four goals and eight points for the Capitals, two points better than former Prince George Spruce King Luca Primarano.
Evan Sundar added an assist in Trail’s win in Victoria and has a team leading 10 points, including three goals.
That’s one point better than centreman Jason Stefanek who scored twice against Victoria, one of them shorthanded and added an assist. Stefanek has a team-leading six goals.
Defenseman Lucas Lemieux is also sitting at nine points, including five goals and is second among all BCHL blueliners.
The showcase is an annual chance for all BCHL players to show their skills and determination in front of NCAA and NHL scouts.
The puck drops at 1 p.m. Pacific Time, with all the action available on Mixlr and FloHockey.
