Game 11: Trail 5 Meritt 4

(Paul Donaldson and myself on Mountain FM night)

Click here for the boxscore: http://www.bchl.bc.ca/leagues/hockey_boxScores.cfm?clientID=1413&leagueID=2393&gameID=573443

Tonight the Smokies host Merritt for the second of back to back games. Last night was Mountain FM night at the Cominco Arena and Trail's effort was a bit sloppy. However, Trail found a way to win on a night where they didn't necessarily play their best game. That's one of the signs of a good team. Brandon Clark proved again he can be a clutch scorer. That's another game winner for the veteran defenceman. Andrew Pickering, JF Boisvert, Ryan Bulach and Paul Mailey all had two points on the night. That being said, the Smokies are certainly hoping for a better effort tonight.


(Porterfield celebrates after setting up Dylan Walchuk's first BCHL goal - Photo Randy Emery)
How cool was it to see Smokies AP forward Dylan Walchuk score in his first BCHL game. Last year the Smokies didn't get any goals from AP players. Nice job, Dylan! He's having a great season so far for Nelson in the KIJHL as well. Hopefully he'll be a big part of the Smokies for years to come.

As it stands right now the Smokies are tied for second place in the Interior Conference and a single point out of first. They've also scored more goals per game (and goals period) than any other team in the Conference. You have to like that. I'm one of the people who wondered where the goals were going to come from for the Smokies this season. So far the answer is everywhere! Six players are averaging at least a point per game. Ten are averaging at least half a point per game. That kind of depth allows you to come up with wins when some of your guys are hurt or having off nights. Things are looking good right now.

That being said in talking to some of the guys last night they all felt it was a bit of an ugly game. Here's some audio from those discussions that we had on Mountain FM's Overtime live from the game:

• Smokies Coach Jim Ingram Part 1, Part 2
• Smokies Defenceman Brandon Clark Part 1, Part 2
• Smokies Forward Andrew Pickering
• Smokies AP Forward Dylan Walchuk

The crowd of over 800 was pretty solid for a Wednesday game! Glad to see that. Trail outdrew the Cowichan Valley Capitals game last night. Sometimes the actual attendance at Smokies games can seem smaller than it is because of how many people stand up instead of sitting in their seats. Last night was also the first time we had fans in our Mountain FM VIP section. Stay tuned to Mountain FM as you could win those seats with free food, drinks and prizes.

Merritt was much improved last night from the last time we saw them. They're a scrappy team and you have to work for everything you get when playing them. Trail learned yesterday they absolutely can not underestimate the Cents. Both teams will be scratching and clawing for two more points tonight. Trail could really use them as they have two big northern road games this weekend and would love to have positive momentum before taking off on the bus tomorrow morning.

Puck drop is 7:30pm at the Cominco Arena.