The University of the Fraser Valley Cascades improved their Canada West regular season record to 4-3-1, tying the UNBC Timberwolves 1-1 Saturday night at Chilliwack’s Exhibition Stadium.
UFV peppered the Timberwolves with a school record 30 shots on goal, but Abbotsford native Tyrone Venhola conducted a clinic in the UNBC net.
His effort included several point-blank stops as the Cascades came in waves. UFV won the majority of ball battles and ran uncontested down the wings.
Ryan Liddiard (Kamloops) and Connor O’Neill (Abbotsford) created several chances with well-placed corner-kicks, but only one ball found its way behind Venhola.
Abbotsford’s Justin Sekhon did the damage in the 68th minute. The Timberwolves didn’t panic, equalizing with six minutes left on a tally by Cheona Edzerza (Prince George).
“I am pleased we created so many offensive opportunities, but disappointed that we were only able to convert one of our 30 shots into a goal,” said UFV head coach Alan Errington. “Full marks to UNBC for playing hard all night.”
— The UFV women lost 2-0 to the University of Victoria Vikes in a Saturday night road game.
The Cascades played a strong first half, sending several shots on net. Langley’s Carley Radomski and Maple Ridge’s Carly Neeson were both thwarted on blue-chip chances.
Chilliwack’s Danika Snook and Surrey’s Danica Kump were also dangerous.
The Vikes had their own chances around the UFV net, where Burnaby’s Kayla Klim stayed busy.
The veteran stopper finished the night with eight saves, but couldn’t stop Lindsay Hoetzel and Jaclyn Sawicki from scoring the Victoria goals.
“I thought we were really good in first 35 to 40 minutes, but then broke down late in the first half,” said Cascades coach Rob Giesbrecht. “We struggled in the second half getting back into attacking rhythm, and failed to create quality chances.”
Both teams are in action Friday night at Exhibition Stadium, with the women hosting the Calgary Dinos and men hosting the UVic Vikes.