WWU & EWU Split Tenacious Weekend; Idaho up next in the Northwest
Photo Courtesy: Natalie Ballard
The East-West rivalry was on full display this past weekend. Renewing the acquaintances from the previous year’s fireworks, both sides were hungry to battle.
The physicality began early in Friday’s game, with neither team completely dominating pace of play. Unfortunately for the Vikings, a few bad bounces found them in a hole early, as a pair of goals by Eastern midway through the 1st period gave them cushion early.
A scoreless 2nd period lead to a motivated 3rd, with Western looking to mount a comeback. The Vikings’ finally got on the board halfway into the final frame, Bret Brumbaugh getting the tally, but it wasn’t enough as Eastern would score twice with under five minute to go in the game, allowing them to pull away with the 4-1 win.
Coach Adam Segaar liked how his team kept pace with the Eagles’ physical style, but he wanted the team to play with more consistency and efficiency. “We can play this rollercoaster game at times. We have to find more consistency.”
Segaar mentioned wanting his team to come out with intensity early on Saturday, and that’s exactly what he got. After the Eagles’ would jump out to a quick 1-0 lead, the Vikings’ struck back on a shot from Kurtis Brumbaugh. Although the score remained 1-1 through two periods, the Vikings’ better executed their plan of attack.
Eastern took the lead early in the 3rd period, looking to pull away for the second straight night. That was until Vikings’ captains Teddy Prior and Edvin Sanders decidedly took the game into their own hands. Prior found plenty of open ice during the final minutes of the game, potting two clutch goals to give the Vikings their first lead of the weekend. A lead they would not relinquish, as Sanders shut the door during the final minutes, securing the 3-2 victory for the Western.
“Our leadership group stepped up. (Sanders) controlled his play, while (Prior) lead the charge and flipped the script.” Coach Segaar stated after the victory Saturday, “ With guys like Darcy Hay, Patrick Pierson, and Henry Ledyard in support. Everybody dug deep.”
“Gotta get that (W).” Sanders reiterated his team’s willingness to do anything to find a way to win, “ That’s all that matters.”
Western continues their homestand this weekend, beginning the season series with the Idaho Vandals. Gametime for both Friday and Saturday is scheduled for 7:00pm at Bellingham Sportsplex.
$5.00 - General Admission
$2.00 - Student I.D.
*CASH ONLY*
Stream this weekend’s games on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WWUHockey/streams
For Vikings’ stats and PAC-8 standings: https://www.achahockey.org/stats/player-stats/376/34?division=-1&playertype=skater&position=skaters&rookie=no&sort=name&statstype=standard&page=1&league=1
Cameron Riggers
