Powell River Rusty Nuts Oldtimers Hockey Club played host to Peninsula Rusty Cranks on Tuesday, January 10, at Powell River Recreation Complex in a rematch of a December game played in Gibsons.
The home team skated to an 8-1 victory, although the final score in favour of the Rusty Nuts was not entirely indicative of the game. Only the strong Rusty Nuts’ defensive play led by veteran goalie Irv Stoddard, his rock-solid defensive core and strong backchecking forwards kept the game out of reach for the visiting Rusty Cranks.
Scoring a pair of goals each for the victors were Rob Crookshank and Mike Carriere (in the previous game, Crookshank’s lone goal was erroneously credited to Dave Tietzen by Rusty Nuts’ staff). Singles were scored by Don Carto, Ian Thompson and Tietzen, this one legitimately credited to him.
Rusty Nuts hosted a lunch afterward where Carlson Community Club staff put together an amazing steak meal for both teams, including the timekeeping crew and a few city staff who happened to wander through.
Announced attendance was in the neighbourhood of 21, giving the game the feel of the recent World Junior Hockey Championship final game in Halifax, according to “tongue-and-cheek” post-game reports from the players.
Talks continue with a Comox Valley team for possible games later in the new year for fans hoping to catch some “high-intensity” hockey.
