The Grandview Steelers played some of their better hockey this week but came away with few points to show for it.
The junior B Steelers gave up a late goal in a narrow 3-1 loss to runaway conference leading Richmond Sockeyes on Sunday.
On Wednesday, Grandview drew 3-3 with Brittain conference leader Aldergrove Kodiaks, behind a 46 save performance from goalie Tyler Read.
"We had two really good games, but had a few unfortunate bounces which you get when you're struggling," said Steelers assistant coach John McDade.
In Aldergrove, the Burnaby Winter Club-based Steelers jumped out to a 2-0 first period lead on goals by Giancarlo Romano and Simon Horlick less than two minutes apart. Grange Gordon gave the visitors a 3-1 lead early in the middle period, but the Kodiaks tied the score early in the final frame. Both teams were scoreless in overtime.
On Sunday, newly acquired goalie William McGladrey was named a third star in his first-ever Pacific International Junior Hockey League game.
Kyle Golz scored Grandview's only goal to shave the deficit to 21 but the 16-1-0 Sockeyes tallied a goal in the final minute to salt away the win.
Grandview remained a point ahead of North Delta in third place in conference play.
"We've had a lot of learning this year," McDade said, adding that trying to find the right line combinations has been an ongoing exercise this season.
The Steelers play in North Delta on Saturday, before hosting Abbotsford on Sunday at 4 p.m.
