Game Day! | TRA at AV

And so it begins.

The Trail Smoke Eaters (4-2-1) open a four games in five days road trip tonight against the Bulldogs (3-2-1) in Alberni Valley.

The team is back into a normal game day routine after Thursday’s 12-hour trek on the bus and ferry. For some players like rookie defenseman Cohen Carter, it was his first big ferry ride during his first trip to this part of BC.

The Smoke Eaters coaching staff will call upon all 24 players to munch minutes, stay mentally sharp and get good rest and nutrition between games.

The team is as healthy as one can be in junior hockey. Defenseman Carter Matthews has made the trip after missing last Saturday’s game with a minor injury.

Tonight’s task is rebounding from last Saturday’s 3-1 hard-fought loss in West Kelowna against a bunch of Bulldogs who are 3-0 at home, including last Saturday’s 4-3 comeback win against the previously unbeaten Victoria Grizzlies.

The Bulldogs are led offensively by Brady McIsaac, who has 10 points on three goals and seven assists.

Although he was held off the scoresheet last Saturday, Evan Sundar still tops the Smoke Eaters points parade with nine, including six assists, while Jack Ziliotto is off to a great start with a team-leading five goals.

This game and trip could also come down to goaltending.

Teagan Kendrick of the Smoke Eaters has a 4-1-1 record with a 2.79 goals against average and save percentage of .920.

With four games in five days, Ryan Parker will also see action.

Game time is 7 p.m. with all the action available on Mixlr and FloHockey.