The Aldergrove Kodiaks took their ninth straight victory on Jan. 4 by defeating the top team in the Harold Brittain conference, in a 1-0 blanking of the Abbotsford Pilots.
The game's sole goal was scored by Kodiak Scott McHaffie at the 17:12 mark of the second period. Assists were by Joshua Cronin and Ryan Veillet.
McHaffie earned the game's first star, while Kodiak keeper Mark Menicucci got third star for the shut-out. Second star went to Pilot Brett Kolins.
The Pilots outshot the Kodiaks 25-17 that night at MSA Arena. The Kodiaks were unable to score on any of six power plays, and the Pilots were scoreless in three power plays.
The result improves the Kodiaks to 39 points after 31 games (19-11-1-0). The Pilots have 46 points after 32 games, while Ridge Meadows trails at 26 points, Mission follows at 15 points and Port Moody sits in the basement at 11 points.
Kodiaks keeper Menicucci is the league's second best goalie with a 1.99 goals against average after 20 games.
The Kodiaks host Grandview Steelers Jan. 9, travel to North Vancouver Wolf Pack on Saturday, Jan. 12, host the Port Moody Panthers on Wednesday, Jan. 16 and travel to Mission City Outlaws on Thursday, Jan. 17.
The Kodiaks will also be well represented in the 2013 PJHL All Star game on Monday, Jan. 14 at Burnaby Winter Club. Mark Menicucci will be one of the goalies, Stefan Gonzales will play defence for the Harold Brittain side, and forwards include Kodiaks Scott McHaffie, Adam Callegari, Spencer McHaffie, Daniel Higgs, Stephen Ryan and Kenny Prato.