By: Levi Fraser

October 11, 2013

Briercrest looked to start off the Thanksgiving weekend well, but after a strong first period they were turned aside by defending ACAC champions the NAIT Ooks, ultimately losing 8-1.

Briercrest came into the first period looking incredibly strong as a team. An early penalty by NAIT #20, Kyle Harris gave Briercrest momentum early on. Playing his first game this season, #8 Kendrew Friesen opened up the scoring with a great tip off of #3 Josh Dufresne’s shot from the point just 2:57 into the first period. Briercrest’s #1 Connor Dobberthien came out extremely strong in net saving 17 shots and killing off two penalties. Briercrest seems to have an extra jump early on this season, which will hopefully continue throughout the rest of the season.

The young Briercrest team had a hard time sustaining their energy in the second period. NAIT pushed the game to another level scoring four goals. The first goal for NAIT came from a great shot by #10 Josh Lazowski assisted by both #25 Sam Waterfield  and #6 Zack MacArthur with 9:47 left in the period. #23 Jason Wark of the NAIT Ooks got the second goal as Briercrest lost momentum mid-way through the second. NAIT continued to lay on the heat as both #24 Jordan Wood and #28 Jordan Abt scored, leaving the Briercrest Clippers looking defeated going into the last period of the game.

With a spirited effort in the third period, Briercrest gave all they had but were unable to capitalize during the game. The NAIT Ooks came out to kill and destroy by adding another four goals on top of what they already had. The first goal of the period went to #18 Tyler French only 1:28 into the third. Mid-way through the third NAIT picked up their sixth goal of the game as French scored to pick up his second of the game. With under two minutes left NAIT picked up another two goals from #13 Ty Carey and Wark. Even though the Ooks dominated the third period, they racked up ten minutes in the penalty box. Looking forward, Briercrest will need to look for those opportunities to get ahead on the power play. Briercrest’s mighty effort in the first 20 minutes was not enough to keep them going; they will want to come out for a full 60 minutes for their next game.

Final score: 8-1 for the NAIT Ooks.

Player of the game went to Briercrest #8 Kendrew Friesen with 1 goal (Happy Birthday!) and NAIT #18 Tyler French with two goals. Shots on net were Briercrest 27 and NAIT 59.

The next game will be tomorrow afternoon at 2:00 pm at Barkman Arena. If you cannot make it to the game you will be able to see a live stream at www.sportscanada.tv or find updates on the Briercrest Hockey Facebook page.