Goaltender Gore tastes hometown victory
If at first you get lit up, try, try again.
That’s not exactly how the saying goes, but Kamloops-born Chilliwack Bruins goaltender Lucas Gore understands the residual message.
The 19-year-old netminder allowed six goals on 32 shots Friday, Sept. 24, in a 9-4 loss to the Vancouver Giants at the Pacific Coliseum, but bounced back the next night in Kamloops against the Blazers, stopping 36 of the 38 shots he faced in a 5-2 win at Interior Savings Centre.
Blazers head coach Guy Charron singled Gore out after the game
“I think their effort was a team effort,” Charron said. “I wouldn’t pick out any particular individual, except maybe to say that I thought their goaltender had a good game.”
Gore, who attended South Kamloops secondary, has played Western Hockey League games in his hometown before, but he said it’s still special to play in front of loved ones.
“It’s not as big of a deal as it was when it was my first time [playing at ISC], but it’s definitely nice to come play in front of your family and your friends — and it’s even nicer when you get the win.”
Now in his fourth season with the Chilliwack club, Gore is used to spending the bulk of the year away from the River City, but he still looks forward to returning home.
“It’s fun to come back to your hometown,” he said. “Every relative I have from Kamloops is pretty much here [at ISC], and I’ve got some friends here, too.”
Bruins bench boss Marc Habscheid, who watched his son Zach meet Blazer forward Chase Soutu’s right hand — twice — in a fight in the last minute of Saturday’s game, was also complimentary of Gore in a post-game interview.
“He didn’t have a great night [Friday],” Habscheid said.
“But, it’s how you respond and I thought he responded real well. He played real good and made some key saves early.”
Ryan Hanes and Brendan Ranford scored Kamloops’ goals Saturday and did so while wearing the Blazers’ new third jerseys.
Josh Caron, who recently signed a three-year contract with the NHL’s Minnesota Wild, fell awkwardly and broke his collarbone in the third period.
The 19-year-old defenceman is expected to be out at least six weeks.
Goaltender Jon Groenhyde allowed two goals he would probably like to have back Saturday, but Charron said recently signed netminder Jeff Bosch “isn’t up to par yet,” so expect Groenhyde to start on Friday in Everett against the Silvertips.
Kamloops opened its home schedule on Friday, Sept. 24, with a 5-2 win over the Prince George Cougars.
Linden Saip, Chase Schaber, J.T. Barnett, Ranford and Dylan Willick tallied Saturday for the Blazers.
Groenhyde stopped 39 of the 41 shots he faced in the win.
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