Ben Giesbrecht finally got the clearance to make his debut as goalie for the Aldergrove Kodiaks in their Junior B Hockey League game against Grandview Steelers, Wednesday night at Aldergrove Arena.
The Steelers scored their winning goal in overtime, however, Giesbrecht, a 17 year old Aldergrove product, acquitted himself with a fine performance, stopping 25 of 27 shots against the Kodiaks goal.
It was the Kodiaks' fourth overtime loss in 13 games, but they got one point at least for a total of 11 points quarter-way through the season (three wins, five losses, one tie and four OT losses). They remain midway in the Harold Brittain conference, with Langley Knights leading at 16 points after 11 games and Abbotsford Pilots second at 11 after 12. Ridge Meadows Flames are close behind at 10 after 11 and the Mission City Outlaws are nine after 12.
The Kodiaks were off to a promising start with William Mann scoring just minutes into the first period, assisted by Maximillian Fritz. The Kodiaks outshot the Steelers 13-6 in the first period (and a total of 33-27 for the night), however, a surfeit of penalty kills took their toll on the Kodiaks.
The Steelers were unable to score on their eight power plays that night (compared to the Kodiaks' single and scoreless power play) but the shots on goal were even for the last two periods and Steeler Joel Gaudet finally tipped one in late in the second period.
A scoreless third period resulted in overtime and Steeler Timothy Chow scored the winner at 2:42.
Kodiaks' captain Aaron Markin was the game's first star, Steeler Gaudet was second and Kodiaks' Jamieson Ree was third star.
The Kodiaks are hoping to turn their season around tonight (Thursday, Oct. 23) at George Preston Arena, versus the Langley Knights.
KURT LANGMANN PHOTO -- Aldergrove Kodiaks keeper Ben Giesbrecht made a promising debut in the team's net against the visiting Grandview Steelers, Oct. 23 at the Aldergrove Arena. The Steelers went on to win 2-1 in overtime.