The Lac la Hache Tomahawks took the third period off and the Quesnel Kangaroos made them pay for it.
Quesnel notched six goals in the final 20 minutes on their way to a 10-2 rout of Lac la Hache on home ice on Nov. 9.
“We didn't play hockey in the third period,” says Tomahawks coach Al Navrot.
When the two teams met on Oct. 12 in Lac la Hache, it was the Tomahawks winning 6-2. Lac la Hache has struggled with a small roster on the road this season, but Navrot doesn't think that was the case in Quesnel.
“We had enough depth (in the line up). I think part of it may be conditioning and being able to play stronger defensively. It's one of our weak points. Offensively, we have the power.”
The game was tied 2-2 after one period. Wilfred Robbins and Ty Moses found the back of the net for Lac la Hache. Assists went to Robin Gilbert, Antoine Sargeant, Anthony Sellars and Drew Rose.
Lac la Hache is 2-5 this season, but both wins came against teams with winning records.
“There are strong teams (in the Central Interior Hockey League), but everyone is getting beat,” Navrot says. “I have faith in my team. I have no doubts.”
The senior men's hockey team recently added two players – Kenneth Schmidt and Walter Schmidt from Fraser Lake, two “big, strong and physical guys” – that should be difference makers going forward, the coach adds.
Lac la Hache is hosting the Williams Lake Stampeders, division rivals, at the Rolf Zeis Memorial Arena on Nov. 23 and Nov. 24.