After exploding out of the gate to dominate their first three games of the season, the intermediate B Cowichan Valley Thunder suffered their first setback of the campaign last Saturday as they were edged 9-8 by the Juan de Fuca Whalers in Langford.
The Thunder had just seven runners on the bench and were without their head coach and several key players, including Tyson Black, who was playing for the junior A Nanaimo Timbermen. They were also unable to call up any midget players due to the Cowichan midget team being away at a tournament.
Brandon (Skippy) Corby led Cowichan with three goals, Corwin Trent had two goals and an assist, and Mathieu Jung scored once and added four helpers.
Kyle Page had a goal and three helpers, and Steven Robertson also scored. Dallas McLaughlin had two assists, and Liam Clinging chipped in with one. Marc Gagnon got the start in net.
The Thunder have a pair of home tilts at the Island Savings Centre this weekend, hosting Saanich on Saturday at 8 p.m. and Oceanside on Sunday at 6 p.m.