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Discipline key as Thunder win two more

Due in large part to their disciplined play, the Cowichan Valley Thunder overcame a slow start against the Westshore Bears last Saturday to emerge victorious by an 11-6 final score.

Cowichan trailed 3-1 after the first period, but rallied to pull ahead 6-5 after a penalty-filled middle frame, which included a brawl that saw several players ejected. A Westshore player attempted to start a fight with Cowichan's Jamie Jensen, who refused the invitation. Not taking no for an answer, the Westshore player ripped off Jensen's helmet and began throwing punches. Although Jensen's arms remained at his side, the officials didn't break up the incident until several other players became involved.

"The third period settled down and Cowichan started to dominate the game, taking advantage of Westshore's undisciplined penalties," coach Lorne Winship said.

Ryan Taylor paced the Cowichan attack with two goals and seven assists, while Graham Winship had three goals and three helpers, and Bryson Weberg, a new recruit signed after the Nanaimo Timbermen folded, had a hat trick and one assist.

Adam Golia and Joe Robb each added one goal and two assists, Jensen scored once, and goalie Nathan Clark had two assists. Brothers Kelvin and Trevor Philp recorded one helper apiece.

Graham Winship exploded for eight goals, including six in the second period alone, as well as a pair of assists, as the Thunder beat the Saanich Tigers 19-13 at home on Monday evening.

Again Cowichan trailed after the first period, falling behind 4-3, but the score was tied 11-11 after two, and the Thunder dominated the third.

"Our defence was rather soft early in the game, as well as our offence wasn't working hard to get to the bench, allowing Saanich multiple fast breaks and breakaways," Lorne Winship said.

Jensen added five goals, intermediate call-up Tyson Black had a goal and six assists, Golia had five helpers, Weberg scored three times and added one assist, Chance Koughan had a goal and an assist, Brennan Stothers scored once, and Colin Winship had two helpers. Brandon Clark, Luke Anderson, Luke Frost, Brandon Corby, Kaine Dreaver and goaile Nathan Clark had single assists.

After a road date in Westshore on Thursday, the Thunder return home next Monday to host the Bears at The Stick at 8 p.m. The intermediate Thunder were scheduled to play in Campbell River on Sunday but earned a win when the Ravens forfeited. They host Juan de Fuca this Friday at 7:45 p.m.