A first for the new CIHL
The first-ever exhibition game for the new Canadian International Hockey League was played on Friday night at the Espanola Recreational Complex.
And in front of a capacity crowd, the visiting Batchewana Attack blanked the Espanola Rivermen 6-0.
Robert Delury led the Attack with two goals, while Darian Pilon, Drake Pilon, Nate Harris and Sergei Koroshun tallied once apiece.
Grant Syrette, formerly of the Soo Thunderbirds of the Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League, chipped in with three assists for the Attack.
Goalies Stefan Demetz and Jack Hickey shared the shutout for Batchewana.
Espanola goalie Trevor Kalinowski made 35 saves — many of the difficulty variety — in the Rivermen net.
The Attack will play host to the Rivermen in another exhibition match on Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m. at Rankin Arena in Sault Ste. Marie.
The Soo Attack Team look reely reely good. Fast & on the puck all game. Rivermens could use 2 more Forward & 2 more D ands we will be just fine. Fans seem to enjoy the game & caliber of the play.
Very impressed with the Batchewana Attack. They are big and fast. The Rivermen will be making some changes in the coming weeks. The speed was impressive and one long time hockey person in the arena thought that the league is in between the NOJHL and the NAHL. Good job this will be an exciting season of hockey.