Matiss Osborne (left) and Tanner Milne. Milne notched five points Nov. 19. (A. Burns / Grandview Steelers)
Steelers climb one game higher than .500
BURNABY WINTER CLUB – Need to snap a three-game losing streak? Invite the expansion Port Coquitlam Trailblazers to town.
The Grandview Steelers received a much-needed prescription for their recent offensive woes with a dominant 7-3 victory over the Pacific Junior Hockey League’s new kids on the block Nov. 19.
At press time, the Steelers squeaked above .500 with a record of 10 wins, nine losses and two shootout losses for a total of 22 points – fifth place in the seven-team Tom Shaw Conference.
In three meetings this season, Grandview has scored an impressive total of 23 goals against Pt. Coquitlam.
New scoring line
Back to Nov. 19. Two Grandview veterans had the puck on a string. New linemates Luke Cox and Tanner Milne padded their stats with respective five-point nights alongside rookie centreman Oliver Nottingham.
Four minutes into the opening frame, Cox darted to the crease and slid a backhand past outstretched Trailblazer netminder Evan Paul.
Cox pointed out that fellow winger Milne “just sees the ice so well. Just finds me in those spots where I’m able to capitalize.” In the last six games, Milne has recorded 15 points.
Cox also pointed out his centreman’s intense work ethic, as Nottingham “works his tail off. He’s skating a thousand miles an hour.” The 16-year-old scored the seventh goal late in the third period and also picked up two assists.
However, the 7-3 final score was a wee bit misleading. Grandview only had a 1-0 lead until halfway through the middle frame.
Hard work leads to numerous chances
In the second period, Grandview had numerous scoring chances against a porous Port Coquitlam defensive corps.
Cox came down the right wing but his wrist shot was snagged by Paul’s glove. A few shifts later, Colby Longeau’s power Mohawk turn propelled him past a Tralblazer defenceman – but Longeau’s shot from in close rang off the post.
Then, Milne’s scoring prowess took over. He scored twice for a 3-0 lead and the Steelers never looked back.
Inside Steeltown post-game interviews
Luke Cox on the honour of wearing the black-and-gold sweater for his entire junior career.
Defenceman Connor Nelles compares his Grandview to his previous two seasons in Aldergrove.
CCM Three Stars
Third star – GRA # 3 Gabe Adam (two assists).
Second star – GRA # 12 Tanner Milne (two goals, three assists).
First star – GRA # 9 Luke Cox (two goals, three assists).
Next home game
Grandview v. Aldergrove Kodiaks – Sunday, Nov. 26th at 7:15 p.m. at Burnaby Winter Club.
