The Ridge Meadows Flames took three out of four points in weekend action after blowing out the Surrey Knights 8-0 on Friday, then losing to the Mission City Outlaws 4-3 in overtime on Saturday.
The Flames were led in scoring by their two new acquisitions, as recently traded veterans Taylor Seganfreddo and Paul Georgeopoulos both had a goal and two assists for three points.
“They bring some grit to the table, as well as some finish,” said coach Bayne Ryshak, who has slotted both players onto his “middle six” second and third lines.
“We feel like we’re a tougher team to play against now,” he said.
Halen Cordoni and rookie Ryley Lanthier each scored twice, Jonah Lige had a goal and an assist, and Kyle Davis also scored.
Jack Stradiotti got the win in net, saving all 20 shots sent his way, and the Flames penalty killers kept the knights off the board through six power plays to preserve the shutout. It was the eighth time that the winless Knights have been shut out in 26 games.
Ryshak said there is good parity in most of the league, and other coaches are hoping to see the Knights turn it around and start winning some games.
“Against them we just wanted to play hard, don’t get bad habits, don’t get suspended and don’t get hurt.”
In Mission, the Flames got down 3-1 after the first period, but came back to force overtime. Goals were scored by Lige, Brandon Galbraith and Quenton Magnuson.
Ryshak said he didn’t want to claim a moral victory as the Flames lost in overtime, but it was an important point in the standings, because Mission is just five points behind the Flames for third place in the Harold Brittain Conference, and they have a game in hand.
“For our guys to put together a good third period and get rewarded was good to see.”
The Flames will host the Richmond Sockeyes on Friday night at Planet Ice, with the game at 7:30 p.m.