Thunder Bounceback With Saturday Win Against SAIT

EDMONTON, AB (February 5, 2022) – The Concordia University of Edmonton Thunder welcomed the SAIT Trojans to Clareview arena for the second game of the home and home series for the weekend. After a devastating loss last night in Calgary the Thunder were ready to redeem themselves. 

The first period of play was action packed. The end to end fast paced period came down to the goalies. Both the Thunder and the Trojans faced 18 shorts on net for the period however, the Thunder won the period with a score of 4-0. The first goal of the game was scored only three minutes after puck drop by #19 Zachery Carlson assisted by # 21 Tyler Benko and #14 Rylan Nivon. The Thunder did not stop there, only 34 seconds later the Thunder proved they were here to play when #3 Seth Summers put a power play goal past the Trojans netminder.  After two unanswered goals the Thunder were not done scoring two more to end the period. With three minutes left in the period # 7 Keegan Tiringer scored with an assist from #13 Tristan Gagnon. The Thunder rounded out the period with an even 4 goals with a goal from #9 Matt Benko. 

Although the Thunder entered the second period confident, they did not ease up. With a new goalie in net for SAIT, # 30 Braedon Fleming, the Thunder did not give him time to settle in. Not even 2 minutes into the second period #7 Keegan Tiringer scored with an assist from #8 Brandon Wallis.  SAIT fought hard and ended the Thunder scoring streak with a goal from #16 Chase Miller, just past the half-way mark. The SAIT Trojans were not done for the period as they put another one by Thunder Goalie Sam Visscher, with 6 minutes left in the period. 

Both teams started the third period with an agenda, and it showed. With two goals by SAIT at the end of the second period the Thunder had to stay disciplined. Play between both teams stayed consistent and Concordia Thunder were able to take the win at home to finish the weekend 5-2. 

The One Team Sport player of the game for the SAIT Trojans was Goalie #30 Braedon Fleming with 29 saves in 2 periods. 

The One Team Sport player of the game for your Concordia Thunder was #21 Tyler Benko, with 2 assists. Benko had some thoughts after the game: "It was a good a first period, I think it was a good bounce back after last night. We had lots of adversity last night with a 8-5 loss. The boys battled hard and I am really proud. We have a quick turn around with NAIT on Wednesday. We will build on this and keep moving forward.  

Head Coach Joey Bouchard of the Concordia Thunder had this to say after the game: "I thought we really bounced back after last night's loss at SAIT. We had a great first period, a great start. Our guys showed some character and resilience. It was a big 2 points and that was the goal tonight going into the hockey game. We wanted to get those two points heading into next week."

The Concordia Thunder have a big week ahead of them next week with three games in the schedule. The Thunder take on NAIT at home on Wednesday February 9th with a 8:15 start time. You can catch the action on ACACTV.ca