Digger Hockey Goes International in Trip to BC for Pair of Exhibition Games
This past weekend, the Montana Tech Diggers (Tech) traveled to Logan Lake, British Columbia, to participate in a pair of exhibition games against the Logan Lake Miners (Miners). The Miners are a part of the British Columbia Intercollegiate Hockey League, and are made up of players from both Thompson Rivers University and the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology.
Friday, October 3rd - Montana Tech vs Logan Lake
Tech came out early with pressure, but a fumble in front of the net led to an early 1-0 lead for the Miners just 33 seconds in. The Miners would add another tally halfway through the first, but Tech would get on the board with 24 seconds left on a power play goal by Jack Delici. Shots after the first were in favor of the Miners, 16 - 13.
The long-distance travel caught up to Tech in the second period, and the Miners amassed four more goals. Ethan Elam would score Tech’s second power play goal of the night on a pass from Delici, but after 40 minutes, Tech would be down 6 - 2.
The third period saw three quick goals by the Miners in the first 4 minutes, forcing Rhett Engel to relieve Charlie Lang after facing 44 shots. Engel would stop all but 1 of the 14 shots faced in the third, and the Miners took the first game of the series by a score of 10 - 2.
Photo Credit Lisa Schake
Delici continued his point streak with 1 goal and one assist, and Riley Kelly earned two assists on the night.
“In Friday’s game, we came out really strong and were matching shot for shot in the first period. Unfortunately, we couldn’t shake the bus legs after two long days of travel, and the guys were giving it all they had towards the end of the game. I’m very proud of how we competed, and the players kept a confident attitude moving forward,” stated Assistant Coach Ryan Schleusner.
Saturday, October 4th Montana Tech vs Logan Lake
Tech would come out with a short memory of the night before, applying a more physical game from the opening puck drop. Despite being outshot 21 to 9 over 20 minutes, Tech Goalie stood tall, and defenseman Charlie Lang gave Tech the lead shortly past the halfway point.
Photo Credit Lisa Schake
The Miners would respond strongly in the second period, however, scoring four unanswered goals, with the last coming with just 3 seconds left in the frame.
Tech would regroup during the intermission and score two quick goals in the first 2 minutes, coming from Riley Kelly and Raynger Schake. The Miners would respond with 9:12 left in the third, extending their lead, but once again the Diggers would respond with a goal by Mike McKay to pull within one. Unfortunately, penalty trouble would send Colin McCarthy to the box with just over 2 minutes left, and the Miners would secure the win with a late power play goal.
“The team really connected in the first and third, and things were rolling. If we can put everything together and play three full periods of hockey, we’ll be a strong team on any night,” said Schake about the Saturday game.
Tech was once again outshot 49 - 23, with Rolfson facing all 49 shots.
“By Saturday, the guys were itching to get going. We came out strong again in the first, but fell behind 4-1. The end of that period didn’t sit well with he guys, as they battled back in the third to keep it close to the final buzzer,” stated Schleusner. “ I would have loved to see the guys come away with a victory, but in the long run, we needed this trip for growth and chemistry. This was a very positive weekend, and we have a lot of confidence in who we are moving forward.”
Takeaways
Delici now has 7 points (3 g, 4 a) in 4 games after being held pointless in the first three games of the season.
“It was a long way to go for just two exhibition games, but when you love the sport, the miles don’t matter. It’s about the grind, the team, and the memories made on and off the ice.” Said Delici.
Charlie Lang earned a goal in Saturday's game after playing 15:17 as the starting goaltender in Friday's matchup.
Tech went 2/2 on the power play Friday, but 0/3 Saturday.
“We had a great experience on our trip to Logan Lake,” Schleusner said. “ The long bus ride was nothing to complain about, as we were all excited to be a part of a weekend of hockey in Canada. Both of the games were fun to coach, and it was encouraging to see our guys compete with a team of that caliber, which we didn’t know much about.”
Up Next for Montana Tech Hockey
The Diggers return to Butte for a 3-game homestand at the Butte Community Ice Center, October 9th, 10th, and 11th, taking on the Montana State Bobcats on Thursday and the Utah Valley University Wolverines on Friday and Saturday.
