Lac la Hache Tomahawks chalked up another victory in Central Interior Hockey League action on Nov. 3, downing the Quesnel Kangaroos 6-5 in their only game of the weekend.
The win came on the Roos’ home turf with T-Hawks Willy Sellars outstanding in net and team captain Robin Gilbert scoring a hat trick for the winners.
Quesnel opened the scoring in a busy first period and held a 2-0 lead halfway into the frame. Gilbert, Anthony Sellars and Wade Balbirnie pulled the Hawks 3-2 lead temporarily before the Kangaroos tied it up with 90 seconds left on the clock.
Quesnel took the lead again early in the second frame, but T-Hawks Willis Harry and Gilbert each scored on power plays to end the period 5-4 for Lac la Hache.
Gilbert capitalized on another power play to move the Hawks ahead 6-4 in the third period and the best the Kangaroos could do was a late-period marker to narrow the gap to one goal.
"Quesnel is a tough team," says coach Al Navrot. "They're intense, rough and borderline chippy, but we've learned how to play them."
He commends Gilbert on his good leadership skills and the impact he has in the dressing room.
"He's really been a positive influence on the team, especially for the young guys."
Navrot says skill, speed and discipline is what won the game for his team.
"I've been around long enough to know what works."
The victory puts the Tomahawks in first place in the East Division and second place in the league with 11 points. Smithers leads the pack with 14 points and Kitimat is third with 10 points. Williams Lake Stampeders are in fourth position with 8.
The Tomahawks have the coming weekend off and will play the Stampeders on Nov. 16 in Williams Lake and then host the Kangaroos, Nov. 17 in Lac la Hache.
"I'm expecting a good game in Williams Lake. They [Stampeders] have a lot of skill and speed. We'll be two pretty equal teams."
