Talented Grandview winger submits early contender for goal of the year
BURNABY WINTER CLUB – In rare moments in sports, a brilliant feat of athletic excellence takes your breath away. Grandview Steeler Steven Konechny joined that rarefied air club Sept. 24.
Konechny, 19, put his on-ice intelligence on full display when – in full stride – he valiantly deked two Ridge Meadows Flames defencemen inside out and buried a top-shelf backhand past netminder Vaughn Kaliel.
The veteran winger added the game-winner – an unassisted effort in the second period – as the Steelers defeated the Flames 5-2 Sept. 24.
Nottingham appreciates warm welcome
Grandview rookie Oliver Nottingham assisted on Konechny’s game-changer and said his linemate’s highlight finish was “unreal. I did not see that coming!”
Only 16, Nottingham is a Pacific Junior ‘A’ – Tier 2 rookie. He appreciated the warm welcome from his new club. “It’s been a lot of fun.”
At press time, Sept. 25, the Steelers had a record of three wins, one loss and one shootout loss for a total of seven points – or third place in the seven-team Tom Shaw Conference.
Kermany grooves in goal
Steeler goalie Shayan Kermany faced 50 shots and picked up his second win of the season. He also improved his goals-against-average to 2.59.
Kermany was the difference maker as the Flames went 0-for-5 on power plays.
In the second period – with Steeler defenceman Markus Johansen off for hooking – Kermany flashed his pads to stop the initial shot through a screen by Flames captain Lukas Ravenstein and then denied him on a rebound.
‘Grinder’ Longeau works through adversity
Another new face for the Steelers is 18-year-old Colby Longeau, who scored his second of the season against the Flames.
Longeau spent last season with the Port Moody Panthers; a year ago, the Panthers were one of the worst teams in the Pacific Junior Hockey League.
“There’s no time to slow down. You always got to keep working, no matter what the score is or no matter what’s happening,” Longeau pointed out about his experience.
About his own skills, he called himself a “grinder. Get in the dirty areas and get my passes through to my teammates.”
Inside Steeltown post-game interviews:
Steeler rookie Oliver Nottingham on his Jr. ‘A’ experience so far.
Steeler Colby Longeau on never giving up and grinding in the corners.
CCM Three Stars for Sept. 24
Third star: GRA # 30 Shayan Kermany
Second star: GRA # 9 Luke Cox (one goal)
First star: GRA # 26 Steven Konechny (two goals)
Upcoming games
Sat., Sept. 30th – Steelers at White Rock Whalers in Centennial Arena, 7:15 p.m.
Sun., Oct. 1st – Steelers v. Richmond Sockeyes, Burnaby Winter Club, 7:15 p.m.
