BARRHEAD-The Barrhead Bombers dramatically defeated the Hinton Timberwolves 4-3 Saturday, Nov. 6 in Western States Hockey League (WSHL) action.
Barrhead defeated the Hinton in their home opener the previous week, 6 to 4.
Going into the third period, the Bombers were in the driver's seat sporting a 3-1 lead, but they gave up two goals in the last five minutes, forcing the game into three-on-three overtime.
The Bombers goals were by Brendan Bujold, an unassisted marker, in the first period and by David Charest and Chad Esperance in the second period. Charest goal was assisted by Joshua Kochan during four-on-four play early in the period while Esperance's goal, which was assisted by Alac Rice and Austin Strathdee, came just past the halfway point of the period.
After a scoreless three-on-three overtime period where both teams had multiple chances to end the game, the game went to a shoot out.
In the shootout, the Bombers outscored Hinton 2-1, with goals by captain Pressly Toth and Bujold, for the victory.
Bombers head coach Dave Hyrsky said although they went into the third period going with a two-goal cushion, he did not feel there was a point in the game where they were in full control.
"They have some skilled players," he said, singling out Dimitri Buttazoni and Petr Teuber. "They also have some other Czech kids, who can be hard to handle."
But that being said, Hyrsky noted Barrhead also has several players that can put the puck into the net.
He added they have also been buoyed by two strong goaltending performances so far this season, including the one Saturday by Ontario native Jayden Schirmers.
"He just arrived yesterday," Hyrsky said. " He made some real key saves at crucial times to keep us in it. Considering our depth, I thought we did a really good job tonight. It is hard going with only four defencemen."
Going into the game the Bombers roster sat at 16 players, including goaltenders.
On Sunday, the Bombers won 9-8 against the Edmonton Eagles, also at home, bringing their record to a perfect 3-0.
Their next set of home games are on Nov. 19 and 20 against Edmonton and Hinton.
Barry Kerton, TownandCountryToday.com
