The Delta Ice Hawks are hoping the return of two key veterans is the perfect remedy to snap a five game winless streak.
After sailing through the first couple of months of the season with just two losses, the defending Pacific International Junior Hockey League champions have hit hard times of late. They had dropped four straight games before salvaging a 2-2 with the North Delta Devils on Tuesday night at the Ladner Leisure Centre. Now they will look to return to the win column for the first time since Nov. 13 when they visit the Port Moody Panthers on Saturday night.
"This is something we're not used to," said Ice Hawks general manager Peter
Zerbinos of the winless slide. "There were some concerns when we were winning games that have become more apparent of late. We have some guys who are clinching their sticks a little too tight and probably over thinking at times.
"It's probably good thing it's happening now and we're confident they will get things turned around."
A pair of 20-year-olds should help the cause when they get back in the line-up against the Panthers.
Anthony Brito, the league's second leading scorer, has finished serving a three-game suspension for a check to the head in a loss two weeks ago to North Delta. Meanwhile, defenceman Ryan Cuthbert will see his first action in six weeks after fracturing his wrist.
"He's really going to help us at both ends of the rink," said Zerbinos of Cuthbert.
"He can make those breakout passes to ignite our transition game and is also good on the power play."
The Hawks looked to be on their way to another frustrating loss against the Devils when Aaron Merrick tied the game with 4: 23 remaining.
Delta enjoyed a power play in overtime but couldn't solve goaltender Tyler Read who earned first star honours for his 49 save performance. Alex Anhert was solid at the other end, making 33 stops.
Icing... The Ice Hawks have added more experience to their blueline by signing Dan Delbianco. The 18-year-old Coquitlam native played for Alberni Bulldogs of the B.C.
Hockey League.
Delta returns home Tuesday to host Ridge Meadows at 7: 30 p.m.
