Riley Paterson scored two goals including the opening goal in the first game of the SJHL Sherwood Conference final series Friday night at the Farrell Agencies Arena earning him the first game star title.
Paterson says the Terriers were feeling confident going into the first game of the best of seven games series, sticking to their game plan and playing their game. "We got contributions from all lines tonight and all lines seemed to be going so it's a pretty happy mood right now in the dressing room," he reports.
Paterson says he and linemates Murray and Poncelet used their size to advantage, cycling the puck and trying to help as much as possible.
The current playoff atmosphere is exciting, stimulating the players' performance, including his own two goal contribution which hasn't really sunk in yet, says Paterson.
The win in the first game was huge. A win would set the tempo of the series, he suggests. Paterson admits there were a few slips in the second period but the two late goals helped boost the Terriers going into the third period.
Paterson says it was great to have Peters back on the ice. "He's a great leader. He plays a huge role on our team so it's good to have him back," he states.
It was also great to have Terrier captain and team leader Blaine Tendler back in the lineup, Paterson adds.
He predicts the Klippers are going to come out hard Tuesday. "It's going to come down to basics really, pucks in and pucks out at the blue line. They're going to be very hungry so we're going to have to bring our game," Paterson says.
Speed is the Terriers' strength, Paterson suggests. "We have lots of fast guys up front with Boyer, Buzzeo, Ciolfi and Breitkreuz. If we use that strength we'll do just fine," he closes.
