Photo by Marcel Vander Wier
PUTTING ON A SHOW – Timbit hockey players swarm the puck and the Huskies’ new mascot during the first intermission of Saturday’s game.
Photo by Marcel Vander Wier
PUTTING ON A SHOW – Timbit hockey players swarm the puck and the Huskies’ new mascot during the first intermission of Saturday’s game.
Photo by Marcel Vander Wier
SOLID EFFORT – Huskies goalie Brad Gustafson makes a glove save Saturday. He allowed just one goal in a 5-1 win.
With 700-plus watching, the Nuway Crushing Whitehorse Huskies swept away the North Island Capitals Saturday night.
With 700-plus watching, the Nuway Crushing Whitehorse Huskies swept away the North Island Capitals Saturday night.
The Huskies poured on the offensive pressure in a 5-1 win, with goals by Derek Klassen, Adam Henderson, Joe Densmore, Burt Stephens and Ted Stephens.
The victory came on the heels of Friday night’s 9-6 barnburner, and saw the Huskies’ record improve to 3-1.
“I was real happy with the way our guys kept getting better through the six periods,” Huskies head coach Michael Tuton told reporters post-game.
“I still don’t think we’ve hit our stride yet. I think we can bring it up a level and if we’re going to go and chase our goals of a Coy Cup, then we’re going to have to bring it up a little bit. But I’m real happy with where we’re at, four games in.”
New off-ice additions included the unveiling of a new team mascot – a husky dog originally seen at the 2007 Canada Winter Games – as well as post-game autograph sessions with players.
“It was great to see all the fans out,” said Tuton. “One of my favourite parts of the weekend was our interaction with the fans and the young kids. It made us all feel pretty good about the direction we’re going and the leadership that we’re showing.”
Huskies goalie Brad Gustafson was solid between the pipes Saturday, allowing only one late goal to Capitals winger Eric Kennelly.
“I felt really good,” said the 22-year-old who was named top dog by his teammates post-game.
“I think the team did a really good job keeping shots outside and clearing traffic from in front of the net. It made my job pretty easy tonight, for sure.
“They had a solid team, but I think they got a bit tired as the games went on and kind of ran out of steam.”
Meanwhile, despite the results, Capitals goalie Aaron Hinton put on a show of his own in the other net.
The 33-year-old looked like a modern-day Dominik Hasek at times, making several scramble saves to nullify sure goals.
“We had a tough time breaking out of our own end,” said Hinton, who told reporters he formerly played with the Calgary Hitmen and Houston Aeros.
“We were chipping them off the glass, but the Whitehorse guys were so fast they were coming back in waves. ... It was tough to control for a while there.
“Now we know who we have to compete with if we get to the Coy Cup. It was so nice being up here, playing against a team of this calibre. They’re better than Powell River by far.”
Hinton was pulled after the Huskies’ fourth goal Saturday night, and was replaced by backup Stevyn Ruel – who also made several spectacular stops.
On Friday, 550 fans watched from the Takhini Arena bleachers as Kane Dawe and Henderson each scored twice in a 9-6 victory.
Other Huskies scorers were Jared Tuton, Rob Warner, Klassen, Chris Gleason and Rob Stuckey.
Tuton was named Huskies top dog for his work solidifying the blue-line.
Meanwhile, Shelby Cockell and Shawn McNulty each put two pucks past Huskies goalie JJ Gainsforth, with Mitch Walker and Jon Hollett adding singles.
Huskies players Kevin Petovello, Simon Nugent and Ryan Gleason all sat our Saturday’s game with injuries, while Clayton Thomas announced his retirement after Friday’s game.
Two Capitals defencemen were also hurt in Friday’s hard-hitting affair.
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