Huskies Keep Rollin'

If you had told the Peace Air Navigators prior to Friday's game that they would hold the Huskies' dynamic top line to a single goal, had two '5-on-3's, held the league's most potent offense to a lone even strength goals and faced the visitor's 'back-up' goalie the Navigators would have assumed they won Friday's home game.

But then that's what is so dangerous about this first place Huskies team.

The Sled-Dogs continue to prove why they have to be the run-away favorite for NWJHL Champions (back to back?!). Friday, the depth of the Huskies was shown in the crease, up-front and on the blue line, and all the host Navigators could do was watch an excellent effort leave them with nothing but awe and disbelief of their sterling opponent.

With the top line playing well, but held in check (one goal for the trio that represent 3 of the top 4 scorers in the league) the Huskies second line stood tall. Cody Kalb, Kyle Porter and Jordan Shipton generated 3 of the Huskies 4 goals that trumped the Navigators pair of tallies. On the back end, Andrew Payou's first of the season (a 3rd Period PP marker) couldn't have been bigger as it established a 3 goal deficit for the home team that played an emotional and technically solid game, only to find themselves in a late hole. In net Chris Jenkins' play was solid, with flashes of brilliance. Jenkins' lightning quick glove that robbed Brad Kerr (second in league scoring with 47 points in 18 games) was exactly that.

Could the Navigators had it any worse?... Well, YES! Sure, the Huskies are riding a hot streak (just one loss in their last 15), but they were missing 6 regulars, didn't start their #1 goalie, had to juggle lines for a half period as Jeff Shipton blew the rivets in one of his skates, and weren't in the comfortable confines of the North Peace Arena where they are a perfect 12-0. That is just plain scary.

All the opposition can do at this point is hope the Huskies overindulge over the Holidays and have a few extra Nanaimo bars and EggNogs!

Oh, yeah 4-2 was the final!! here is the game recap.