Broken bones not the kind of breaks Caps are looking for
The Cowichan Valley Capitals aren’t getting the right kind of breaks.
With the team struggling to find a way to win so many close B.C. Hockey League games that are going the other way, along comes another obstacle.
Veteran Mikael Jung, who’s been playing his best hockey of late and is tied for the team scoring lead, is going to be out of action after suffering a broken finger.
It’s another hard knock for the Caps, who lost 3-2 in Port Alberni to the Bulldogs Friday and 4-2 at Cowichan Arena Saturday to the Victoria Grizzlies.
The results are typical for the Caps, who have only allowed eight more goals than they’ve scored, yet find themselves with eight more losses than wins.
“We’re just going to have to keep battling,’’ said Caps’ coach Jim Ingram. “There’s no easy way out.’’
The downside to having a younger group, Ingram conceded, is there’s going to be some tough nights.
“We’ve got to learn how to battle and keep going here,’’ he said.
“I like a lot of our kids. We’re there. At the same time, you can’t substitute experience.
“We’ve got to learn how to win. At the same time, the turnovers really cost us.’’
One of the bright lights for the Caps was the play of the newcomers acquired from Nanaimo for Matt Grant.
Luke Gordon scored the opening goal against Alberni and Jesse Neher scored a spectacular breakaway goal against Victoria, banking a shot off the post behind former Caps’ goalie Brady Rouleau.
“It was exciting, especially to get the first (goal),’’ said Neher. “It sucks we lost.’’
Neher is still loving life as a member of the Caps.
“It’s really good,’’ he said. “The guys have been great. Everyone here is helping me through the trade process.’’
Two goals early in the third period turned the tide in the Grizzlies’ favour.
“The guys worked super hard,’’ said Neher. “It’ll come our way. We’re just getting bad bounces and bad breaks the two games I’ve been here.’’
Neher brings speed and hard work to the lineup.
Ingram is looking forward to the team’s first road trip off the island to somewhere other than Powell River. The Caps are in Prince George Friday and Merritt Saturday.
“To be honest with you, that’s something we need right now is to get out on the road,’’ he said.
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