Chris Clegg
South Peace News
You certainly can’t say it wasn’t from a lack of trying.
The Falher Pirates lost their season finale 4-3 Feb. 1 to the visiting Valleyview Jets. The Pirates entered the game with a potential home ice advantage in a crossover at stake in the standings. They did need the Fort St. John Flyers to defeat the Spirit River Rangers – an unlikely scenario – and win themselves to pass the Rangers if they clash horns but it wasn’t to be. The Rangers won their game 6-5.
Despite the loss, the Pirates outshot the Jets 64-28, including 43-18 in the first two periods when they only scored one goal. Goaltender Kale L’Hirondelle was superb in stealing the win.
Rylee Hebert scored twice to pace the Jets including a power play marker. Tyler Wirth scored once and added three assists including the game-winner with 5:45 remaining. Cade Reber added the other goal.
Bailey Tokarz scored twice for the Pirates while Pat Rowan scored once and added two assists. Dallas Brochu also added two assists.
Wirth’s goal triggered an NPHL statistic that had never occurred before. The Pirates and Manning Comets both ended the season with 92 goals scored and 54 goals against. Had the Comets scored into an empty net, or the Jets, that statistic would not have kicked in.
The Pirates prepare to play the expansion Fox Creek Knights in the East Division semifinal. Check the Pirates Facebook page, South Peace News website or NPHL website for the schedule which should be posted soon. Tentatively, the Pirates will host the Knights Saturday, Feb. 8 to open the best-of-seven series.