The Woodstock Navy Vets opened their first GOHL pre-season with a pair of impressive victories over the Komoka Kings, earning a 5-1 win Friday night at Reeves Community Complex before following it up with a 7-3 road victory Saturday night in Komoka.
The two wins provided a strong start to the Vets’ pre-season schedule as the club continues preparations for its inaugural GOHL campaign.
Friday Night – Navy Vets 5, Komoka 1
Rookie defenceman Colby Branton made a little history Friday night, scoring the Navy Vets’ first goal as a GOHL club. Branton opened the scoring on the power play with four minutes remaining in the first period, firing a shot from the point to give Woodstock the lead.
Joshua Natale added one of the highlights of the night, stealing the puck at his own blue line before breaking in alone and making a terrific move to beat the Komoka goaltender.
Jaxon Boone added a shorthanded goal, while Evan Giannone and returning veteran Kyle Arthur rounded out the scoring in the 5-1 victory.
Branton, Boone and Arthur each added an assist to finish the night with two points apiece.
In goal, Ian Kubelka stopped all 15 shots he faced through 34 minutes of shutout hockey before Ethan Anderson took over and made 12 saves the rest of the way.
Saturday Night – Navy Vets 7, Komoka 3
The offence picked up right where it left off Saturday night in Komoka.
Jack McGlenister opened the scoring just over two minutes into the game before Cole Shoup, Ethan Bourgeois and Aiden Silos also found the back of the net, sending the Vets into the first intermission with a 4-1 advantage.
Jordan Vanderlip extended the lead just 1:02 into the second period before the Kings pushed back with a pair of goals, cutting Woodstock’s lead to 5-3 heading into the third.
The Vets shut the door from there.
Joshua Jodoin scored twice within a five-minute span midway through the final period to put the game away and complete the 7-3 victory.
Silos added two assists to finish with three points on the night, while Cole Worsfold-Bonneville chipped in a pair of assists.
The Vets’ goaltenders were tested throughout the night and stood tall. Landyn Quirk made 15 saves before giving way to Ryder Kowtaluk, who was strong with 22 saves.
With two wins in their opening weekend, the Navy Vets now turn their attention to the next test of the pre-season.
The Vets travel to Stratford Monday night to take on the Warriors at the Stratford Rotary Complex.
