By Arlene Jongbloets - 100 Mile House Free Press
Published: November 09, 2011 8:00 AM
Revenge was sweet for the Lac la Hache Tomahawks who cut down the visiting Williams Lake Stampeders 6-4 on Nov. 5 at the Rolf Zeis Memorial Arena.
The last clash between the two Central Interior Hockey League (CIHL) teams on Oct. 1 saw the Stampeders down Lac la Hache 14-5 in lop-sided victory in Williams Lake.
Tomahawks coach Al Navrot says he had been anticipating a good game.
"Our boys didn't swallow that last loss well. They worked hard last weekend and we had a solid effort from all four lines. We're very happy."
Stampeders opened the scoring with two goals put away early in the first period, but the Tomahawks evened it up with a goal each from Ryan Minnabarriet and Dedrick Alec.
"We started flat, but the boys talked about it in the dressing room and we just got stronger with each period after that."
The Tomahawks took the lead in the second period with another marker by Minnabarriet and one by Robin Gilbert, but the Stampeders managed to deadlock the score at 4-4 before the clock ran out.
The third frame saw Lac la Hache dominate with Hawks' Anthony Sellars and Tye Moses scoring the only goals of the period.
Dave Archie was named player of the game and Navrot says it was in recognition of his calm and steady demeanor and the positive influence he has on the rest of his team members, especially the younger ones.
Navrot adds his team talent is well rounded, with scoring power in his top 3 lines and a huge defensive force with Kyle Minnabarriet, Drew Rose, Dustin Price, Dave Archie, Steve Daniels and Alec who all weigh more than 200 pounds and stand more than six feet tall.
"We're getting tougher and more bonded every game. We're looking for a playoff spot and we want to win. That's our goal."
Navrot says the game hype seems to be catching on with the fans and the head count in the stands on game night was about 230.
"It took a while to catch fire, but each game we're getting more and more people coming to watch from Lac la Hache, Williams Lake, Canim Lake and 100 Mile."
Preceding Saturday's game, Chief Mike Archie from the Canim Lake Band came into the Tomahawks dressing room and performed a smudging ceremony, blessing the players' hockey sticks and saying a prayer for them. Navrot says the ritual created positive energy for his players.
The Tomahawks take on the Stampeders on Nov. 18 at 7:30 p.m. on home ice in Lac la Hache, and travel to Williams Lake for the second half of a home-and-home weekend.
Quesnel Kangaroos currently lead the East division of the CIHL with 16 points, followed by Omenica Ice with seven points and the Stampeders and Tomahawks tied with six apiece.
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