Earlier this year Grande Prairie Storm coach Kevin Higo said he was going to lean on some of his older players to lead the way as the club looks to move up in the Alberta Junior Hockey League standings and secure a playoff spot.
So far, so good.
After a 2-1 win over the Camrose Kodiaks in Revolution Place Friday the Storm sit in a solid sixth place in the eight-team North Division with three wins, four losses and an OT loss.
And leading the way against a strong Kodiaks Club (5-2-1 in the South Division) were a pair of veterans.
Twenty-year-old Brendon Montgomery, wearing the captain's letter for the first time in front of the home fans, scored the winner at 15:35 of the second.
That goal was especially important because just over four minutes before the Kodiaks had tied the game at 1-1 on a shorthanded effort by Jacob Kendall. Montgomery's goal, his first of the season, quickly turned a negative into a positive for the Storm as they weathered the Camrose push – including 16 shots against in the third – to pull out the win and keep a home undefeated streak – that has now reached three – intact.
Zac McNeill, 20, also with his first of the season, had staked the Storm to a 1-0 lead with just 1:05 remaining in the first frame. MacNeill was chosen the Home Star of the game for his efforts.
“We played a full 60 minute game last night,” said Higo. “That's what we need to have more success through the year.
“We generated quality scoring chances and were able to get multiple shots from rebounds and being around the net.”
Arik Weersink was in net for the Storm turning aside 34 of 35 shots, including those 16 in the third when the Kodiaks pressed, while the Storm fired 32 at Patrick Gora at the other end.
“Everyone was going last night – we had no passengers,” said Higo. “When you play the better teams in the AJHL like the Kodiaks you have to play hard and consistent.
“They play with energy and structure, so if we didn't do the same the game would pass us by.”
The Storm outshot the Kodiaks 14-12 in the first topping the period off with MacNeill's late goal.
“Our start was good and we were able to make some adjustments during game – which was good to see,” he said.”
The third-year Storm coach will no doubt be looking for more of the same tonight when the Storm host the North Division leading Spruce Grove Saints at 7:30 p.m.. The Saints have 17 points in 10 games and only one loss.
The Storm will be looking for more fan support tonight to help them keep the Revolution Place record perfect and so far they have been there. Last night the attendance count was 1,053 – the third game the team has drawn over 1,000 fans.