It was two games in two nights with one on the road and one at home this past weekend for the Cowichan Valley Capitals.
The team visited the Bulldogs in Port Alberni on Nov. 29 and were even with the home team through three periods, only to end up on the wrong side of a 4-3 overtime score.
Hayden Russell continued his noteworthy scoring pace with two goals. Camden Bajzer added one but the Caps weren't able to get the golden goal in OT and left Port Alberni with the loss.
Freshly acquired goaltender Liam Sztuska took the loss for Cowichan in his first start with the team. Sztuska didn't have to wait long to get his first win with Cowichan, however. In front of a home crowd on Nov. 30, the Caps faced off against the Victoria Grizzlies at the Cowichan Arena and Szuska stopped all 30 shots he faced to shut out the Grizz in a 4-0 win. He was the game's first star.
Scoring for Cowichan were Kole Keen (penalty shot), Jordan Bax, Moritz Kukuk, and Trace Frieden. The team showed remarkable discipline in a feisty affair that could have easily gotten out of hand.
After a road game in Nanaimo on Dec. 6, the Caps will suit up against the Prince George Spruce Kings on Saturday, Dec. 7 for Cowichan's annual teddy bear toss game.
"After the first Cowichan goal of the game toss your teddy bears onto the ice," said the team. "They will be collected and donated to a local charity."
Ice Chips:
Primarano gets all-star nod
After a vote was conducted with coaches and general managers from the 21 BCHL teams, the league has announced the initial rosters for the 2025 All-Star Tournament and Skills Competition Jan. 18 at Rogers Rink in Salmon Arm.
Luca Primerano has been selected to represent the Cowichan Valley Capitals in the Coastal Conference but another Cowichan player may still join him.
The remaining three roster spots will be decided by a fan vote, starting tomorrow. Fans will have until Wednesday, Dec. 4 to vote. The rosters will eventually be split into four teams of six skaters and one goaltender and will compete in a 3-on-3 tournament.
Russell BCHL's first star of the week
Forward Hayden Russell averaged more than two points per game, scoring four goals and adding three assists for seven points in three games for the week of Nov. 18-24.
Before this past weekend's games, Russell had 19 points in 22 games this year on seven goals and 12 assists.
Capitals add netminder
The Cowichan Capitals announced on Nov. 26 that they've signed 2004 CHL goaltender Liam Sztuska. He split the start of the year between the QMJHL's Shawnigan Cataractes and the OHL's Peterborough Petes.
McCrady set to be a Big Red
Cowichan defender Luke McCrady has committed to the Cornell University Big Red to further his hockey career in the NCAA while earning an Ivy League education. The 6 foot 3, 200lb rookie from Calgary is in his first year with Cowichan.
