Township of Langley, BC (Wednesday, January 21, 2015) – Kevan Kilistoff scored the game winner with just under seven minutes to play in the third period and Matt Graham scored a goal and an assist as the Langley Rivermen (24-16-1-4=53) came from behind to beat the Chilliwack Chiefs (25-15-1-1=52) 4-3 on Wednesday night at the Langley Events Centre.

In another fast-paced battle between the division rivals, the Rivermen, down 3-2 after two periods came out and controlled most of the final frame which included two goals and defeated the Chiefs for the third straight time and jump back into first place in the Mainland Division.

“We came out strong in the first and played a good period,” said Kilistoff. “In the second, we started off slow and they took advantage but we kept it simple in the third and played our game. Graham went in hard on the forecheck, stayed with the puck, made a smart play and I was able to put it home.”

Langley trailed 1-0 mid-way through the first period when Chiefs forward Craig Puffer scored his team leading 21st of the season on the power play putting home a rebound past goaltender Bo Didur. The Rivermen would answer quickly, scoring two goals in 1:04 as Matt Graham scored his 14th of the year and his 5th in as many games to even the game at one. Langley would take the lead on a delayed penalty when Gage Torrel deflected home a Dante Hahn point shot to give them a 2-1 lead heading into the second period.

“I liked how we competed,” said Assistant Coach Kurt Astle. “We battled back and the guys showed their heart tonight.”

Chilliwack would score their own back-to-back goals early in the second period as Kurt Black and Ryan Roseboom answered with two goals in 14 seconds for the Chiefs to put them up 3-2 after forty minutes.

“To give up back-to-back goals is unacceptable,” said Kilistoff. “We weren’t mentally ready in that period and it cost us. Luckily we found a way to compose ourselves and answer in the third.”

After being in Oakville, Ontario last night, Didur got the surprise start in net for Langley and looked sharp, stopping 31 of 34 shots in the win.

“I wasn’t sure I was going to play tonight,” he said. “Once I arrived at the rink I was able to go through the routine and get settled in.”

The Rivermen now sit one point ahead of the Chiefs for top spot in the Mainland Division with Chilliwack holding three games in hand. Langley gets a few days off before being back at the LEC for a 7:00PM matchup with the Trail Smoke Eaters on Saturday’s Back-to-Business night. The night will also feature the infamous Green Men who will be signing autographs and taking pictures throughout the game.

Tickets can be purchased at http://www.ticketmaster.ca

NOTES: Shots on Goal: LAN 36, CHW 34. Powerplay: LAN 1-5, CHW 1-4. Saves/Shots: LAN – Bo Didur 31/34 (W), CHW – David Jacobson 30/34 (L)  Aiden Pelino 2/2. Three Stars: 1st: LAN Matt Graham, 2nd: CHW Craig Puffer, 3rd: LAN Gage Torrel. Fortis Energy Player: LAN: Matt Barberis

For details visit www.LangleyRivermen.com

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For More Information:
Kevin Berar, Langley Events Centre, 604.396.6633, kberar@langleyeventscentre.com
Taylor Henderson, Langley Rivermen, 604.455.8892, taylor@langleyrivermen.com