Giancarlo Nadeau
The days are getting longer, and the sun is coming out more often, but ice in Surrey means spring hockey for many teams, including the Coastal Tsunami.
Players on the Tsunami U21 spring team have already played a long hockey season. Still, they are playing because of their passion for the game, staying in shape, and trying to crack the inaugural Tsunami roster come September.
The excitement of being back on the ice faded rather quickly once the puck hit the ice against the Surrey Knights Black. The Tsunami’s start was very shaky, as they were down 2-0 after the first half of period one.
The pregame message was simple: “Go out and have some fun,” said Jeff Nottingham, Head Coach of the spring team and Director of Player Personnel for the PJHL team. There were certainly more nerves than excitement from that opening period, and playing with new players without much chemistry can do that to a team.
The Tsunami got their feet under them near the midway mark, and that’s when things started to change for the better despite heading into the locker room down 2-0. An all-coast line swung momentum in the team’s favor (Nordvie—Ross—Istvanffy).
The Coast scored the only goal in the second period, cutting Surrey’s lead in half. The puck went into the net four times in the final period of regulation, including three goals from the Tsunami. The game-winning goal was scored by Oliver Nottingham, who would finish the night with a pair, an assist, and first-star honours.
The Nottinghams’ led the charge with forward Oliver Nottingham and coaches Jeff and Ben. “Coaching with Ben is great. He’s totally involved. He treats every game like it’s a big game. He took over the forwards. He wants to be a coach, and it’s nice to see,” said his father, Jeff.
Jacob Wingfield – son of GM Brad Wingfield – had two assists, including an assist on the game-winner. Mathias Hasselmann earned the first Tsunami win in net stopping 32/35. “Once we got skating and checking, we were good. Guys didn’t really know what to expect. Once everyone got up to pace, it turned out well,” explained Coach Jeff Nottingham.
The team will focus on forechecking and work in the neutral zone in their next practice. The team came out slow and didn’t skate well in the first game, so moving the puck through the neutral zone will be crucial. “It’s always exciting to build a team and help put that team on the ice. The first win is sweet,” expressed General Manager Brad Wingfield.
Games are every Tuesday at 7:15 pm at the North Surrey Sport & ice Complex. Catch the next Tsunami game vs the Chilliwack Jets Yellow, next week, Tuesday, April 24.
