The Briercrest Hockey team continued their 20th season in the ACAC with a game Friday night against the Augustana Vikings. A lot has changed since Briercrest joined the league in 1997. Back then, Donald Trump was a yuge supporter of the Clintons, Star Wars was an unadulterated trilogy, and the Spice Girls were doing to music what Tim LaHaye was doing to eschatology. 

One thing that hasn't changed is the approach Briercrest continues to take in this league. Facing a top team like Augustana is a challenge, but the integrity and determination which have marked Briercrest's hockey program over the past two decades were on display tonight as well.

First period action showcased the stellar play of rookie goaltender Dan Dekoning, who turned away all of the early pressure applied by the guests. Some hard work by Josiah Friesen, Alex Bechtold, and Josh Anderson resulted in a good scoring opportunity and a penalty as Augustana's defenders struggled to contain them. Jacob Baribeau set up Jordan Harder for a glorious chance on a one-timer, but visiting goalie Harry Fredeman was equal to the task. Briercrest showed strong defensive play as Arlyn Semeschuk made a key shot block and Dekoning came up with a highlight-reel save. It was then back to the 90's with some DC Talk blaring during a stoppage in play. The teams remained scoreless going into the first intermission. 

Briercrest came out hitting hard in the second, but the Vikings were finally able to solve Dekoning for a pair of goals and a 2-0 lead. The home side responded with strong pressure, and Josiah Friesen took the feed from Josh Anderson and buried it to cut the deficit in half and bring the crowd to life. Ben Feere and Jordan Harder nearly tied it moments later, forcing Fredeman to make another difficult save. Last year's silver medallists then buckled down for the remainder of the period and pinned Briercrest in their zone for lengthy stretches. The Vikings were rewarded with two more goals and a 4-1 lead after forty minutes. 

The third period featured some sporadically strong effort by Briercrest, most notably Chad Davidson, but the score got away from them and an 8-1 defeat was the final result. Despite the loss, Briercrest managed to leave an impression on the Augustana Vikings head coach. "It was an unbelievable game in the first period- the speed of the game was probably the best that I've seen all year...I've always liked their team- year after year they play with a lot of passion, a lot of heart," Blaine Gusdal said after the game, "You could really see them buying into their team play, into their systems play... I was really impressed."

Players of the game were Chad Davidson for Briercrest and Lukas Biensch for Augustana. Catch tomorrow's rematch at 2:00pm.

For up to date information on the Briercrest Hockey team and Briercrest Athletics, “like” us on Facebook or at gobriercrest.ca. To watch games online go to acactv.ca