Road-weary Rivermen return to Langley Events Centre
After three weeks of playing away from the comforts of home, the Langley Rivermen finally get the chance to play at the Langley Events Centre.
And it comes at a perfect time as the struggling junior A hockey squad has dropped six straight games — all of which were on the road — and is still looking for their first victory of 2012.
The Rivermen's most recent trip was three games through the Interior and Langley managed just a single point, losing 9-2 to Penticton, 5-4 in overtime to Salmon Arm and 3-0 to Merritt.
With just two points over the past six games, Langley's post-season hopes are remote, given the fact they are 18 points back of the fourth and final spot with just 19 games remaining on the schedule.
The Rivermen host the Coquitlam Express on Saturday (Jan. 21) at the Langley Events Centre in BCHL action.
At home this season, Langley is a respectable 9-10-0-0.
The Vees won their 22th consecutive game, breaking open a 4-2 game with five unanswered third-period goals.
Mike Tebbutt and Austin Plevy scored for Langley.
The Rivermen were outshot 48-20.
Langley let a 4-3 third period lead slip away as Salmon Arm struck for the equalizer midway through the third and then won the game in double overtime.
Derek Sutliffe (two goals, one assist) and Chris Tracy (one goal, two assists) both had three point nights.
The Rivermen lost despite having a 50-33 shot advantage.
The Rivermen were shut-out for the ninth time in 41 games. In seven other contests, they have managed just one goal.
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