There’s lots of empathy for the Surrey Knights hockey team – who are currently 0-for-82, with five overtime losses since November of 2015.
But the Grandview Steelers weren’t about to show them any mercy last week.
The Steelers trounced the Knights 8-2, building up a 6-0 lead after 40 minutes while spreading the offence around.
“Absolutely, you feel for them,” Grandview head coach Stevan Matic said of Surrey and its two-years-and-counting losing skid. “It just shows the passion they have for the game that they’re still battling to get that win. They want it badly, and it showed us you have to be ready every game.”
Connor Alderson scored twice, while linemates Nico Bruno and Brodie Crawford combined for a goal and seven assists between them.
The win moved Grandview into a tie for second place in the Tom Shaw Conference, and just as importantly, gave them sixth straight wins in November.
Considering they dropped the final four games of October, this win streak has been a great turn of events.
“We’re definitely playing a little better, at all areas,” said Matic. “(The four losses) were all against tough teams, it was a tough stretch and we just couldn’t get on the right side of it.”
The Steelers have managed to beat a few elite Pacific Junior B Hockey League rivals during the current streak, including North Van last week.
Helping in the turnaround has been the contributions of Alderson and Crawford, who were recent additions to the club.
“They both are consistently finding the score sheet and the addition of Nico (Bruno) to their line has worked well.
“Crawford’s more of a physical player and Alderson brings finesse.”
Netminder Matteo Petrelli turned aside 23 shots.
Grandview visits Ridge Meadows tonight, then returns home Sunday for a rare 12:45 p.m. game against North Van at the Burnaby Winter Club.
