Chris Clegg
South Peace News
Don’t look now but here come the Valleyview Jets!
The Jets rolled into Falher Nov. 22 and recorded their largest margin of victory over the Pirates since 2008 when they left town with a 7-3 win. It matched the 7-3 win Feb. 15, 2008 and is the most since a 10-2 win Feb. 11, 1997 – over 28 years ago. A rare feat indeed since it has usually been the Pirates dishing out punishment for decades.
The Jets scored early and often by taking a 4-1 lead after one period and 6-3 after two. In doing so, they outshot the Pirates 53-42 in the game.
Matt Forchuk and Tyler Wirth each scored twice to lead the Jets. Braden L’Hrondelle, Michael Lovsin and Ryan Terpsma added the other goals.
Pat Rowan’s first period goal tied the game 1-1. Max Maisonneuve and Tyce Massier added second period goals for the Pirates, who fell to 2-3 while the Jes increased their record to 2-4.
Grouard hockey product Kirby Halcrow, who spent time with the High Prairie Regals last season, stopped 39 of 42 shots to record his first Jets’ win in his first game.
Ryan Noble gave up six goals on 46 shots. Forchuk’s second of the night was into an empty net.
Both teams were scoreless in four power play chances although Forchuk’s goal into the empty net was shorthanded.
The Pirates will look to rebound next week with two winnable games against teams lower than them in the standings. They go to High Prairie ((2-4) Nov. 28 and return home to play winless Fox Creek (0-5) on Nov. 29 in an attempt to get their season back on track.