North Vancouver, B.C. — The Surrey Knights played the role of spoiler on Saturday night at Harry Jerome Arena, handing the North Vancouver Wolf Pack a 3–1 defeat in their Pacific Junior Hockey League season opener.
Surrey struck just 74 seconds into the game when forward Devyn Hayre buried the first goal of the season, assisted by Wesley Rowley. The Wolf Pack answered midway through the period, with Ciaran Henry converting on a feed from Mack Souter to even the score.
The Knights regained control in the second. Jovan Athwal restored the lead at 5:31, finishing a setup from Chayton Basanti and Kirit Sran. North Vancouver pressed for an equalizer in the third, but Rayne Jameson’s insurance marker at 12:34 all but sealed the outcome.
With the win, Surrey opened their campaign on a high note, while North Vancouver will look to regroup quickly as the young PJHL season gets underway.
Surrey netminder Koen St. Hilaire was rock solid, especially as North Vancouver pressed late with the net empty, turning aside 31 of 32 shots to earn first-star honours. At the other end, Wolf Pack goaltender Marcus Taylor faced heavy pressure throughout, making 30 saves.
Surrey appeared to have gone up 4-1 with an empty netter, but the puck hit an official on its way into the empty cage, so was waved off. Special teams proved a non-factor, with both clubs blanked on the power play.
