The season is young yet, but the Grandview Steelers have discovered the challenge an extra five minutes can make.
The Pacific Junior B Hockey League team retained its hold on first place in the Tom Shaw Conference despite being bumped 4-3 by the Ridge Meadows Flames Sunday in overtime.
And while the season is just eight games old – and the team is an impressive 4-0 in regulation – its a 1-3 run when the extra period is tacked on that seems to be the next puzzle to solve.
“Of course it’s a little frustrating but I don’t think we’ve been out-worked (in overtime),” noted Grandview coach Stevan Matic. “I’m not worried that its getting into a negative mindset, but we do need to start converting our chances.”
The best way to avoid overtime is to win in regulation, he added.
It was a case of rallying to earn a single point on Sunday.
Ridge Meadows, 8-1 on the year, never trailed with leads of 1-0 in the first and 3-1 early into the third period before Nico Bruno and Jacob Siebenga rattled off two quick goals to draw equal.
Bruno’s marker, off a nice set-up from Adam Rota at 9:28 into the third, was followed 18 seconds later by Siebenga’s goal, where the strapping Surrey native cashed in a timely turnover to make it 3-3.
Alex Furlan secured the win for the Flames 1:21 into the extra frame, with his second of the day. Grandview outshot Ridge Meadows 32-28, with four of those shots coming in the extra frame.
“The Steelers were without the services of captain Lucas Mercer, who served a one-game suspension due to being involved in two fights during a stoppage last week.
While the loss didn’t dampen their hold on first place, with a 5-0-0-3 record, it did distract from areas the club has shown improvements in since the start of the season, said Matic.
“I think defensively we’re getting better, the team has been very solid in its own end,” he said. “The young guys are figuring it out.”
Grandview has picked up some experience behind the bench with the addition of long-time junior coach Mark Goble as an assistant. The former junior A coach will focus on the offensive side, while fellow assistant Grant Cumberbirch remains working with the defence.
The Steelers visit North Van on Saturday, before hosting high-
flying Abbotsford Sunday, 4 p.m. at the Burnaby Winter Club.
