Pilots still flying high
"We'll stay the course as long as we can" - coach Jim Cowden
Pilots goalie Zach Station guards the net as Mission Outlaws' Nolan Dyck is chased by Pilots' Ryan Parmar in a Nov. 30 game at MSA Arena. The Pilots smoked the outlaws 12-1 that night. Now they're ready to take on the Delta Ice Hawks at home on Friday.
Photograph by: Jean Konda-Witte , Abbotsford TIMES
Riding a seven-game winning streak, the Abbotsford Pilots continued their domination in the Pacific Junior Hockey League after a pair of decisive wins last weekend, and they'll be looking for more this Friday night.
"The guys get along and support each other. It's a team; it's not about individuals," said head coach Jim Cowden.
"You try to build the best possible team you can get. It's not two lines; it's four lines. From day one we let them know, it's not about me; it's about the team."
The team is definitely doing something right these days, with an 11-1-1 record dating back to early November. The Pilots sit in top spot in the Harold Brittain Conference with 13 points over their nearest rivals, the Aldergrove Kodiaks.
Last weekend, they made short work of the Grandview Steelers, out-shooting them 47-19 on Friday at MSA Arena. Goals came from Michael Tebbutt, Ryan Parmar, Dakota Schipper and a pair from Kyle Star (the last being an empty netter in the third).
Adam Rossi, who had three assists in the win, was awarded first game star, and he sits third in scoring with 11 goals, 28 assists and 39 points in 26 games.
Aaron Oakley stopped 18 of 19 shots in the win.
While praising Oakley, Cowden was quick to point out that it's not just one goalie but a whole team effort.
"Aaron's been outstanding, he's a good goalie. [But] we take pride in our defensive game. We always tend to look after the defence; the offensive part will come and that's starting to come true," said Cowden.
On Saturday, the Pilots extinguished the Ridge Meadows Flames 7-2, outshooting their opponents 43-23, with Oakley again in net for the win.
Goals came fast and furious from Brandon Daase (2), Devon Allenby, Chris Vinette, Ryan Parmar, Kyle Star and Adam Rossi.
Daase had a big night. In addition to the two PP goals goals in the first and second periods, he added two assists and picked up the game's first star for his efforts.
The Pilots will now face the Delta Ice Hawks, the top team in the Tom Shaw Conference Friday night at MSA Arena.
"We'll stay the course as long as we can," said Cowden.
"They're a very good team. We'll play our game and we'll be fine."
The puck drops at 7: 30 p.m.
