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Spartans stunned in semifinals by Clan

Top-seed Trinity Western eliminated by fourth-place Simon Fraser in BCIHL playoffs

The top-seed Trinity Western Spartans were sent packing in the B.C. Intercollegiate Hockey League semifinals.

The Spartans lost 3-2 in game one and 6-4 in game two to the No. 4 SFU Clan over the weekend to lose the best-of-three semifinal series 2-0.

“It’s a disappointing end to a season that had so much promise and potential,” said TWU coach Barret Kropf.

“Full credit to SFU. They brought their ‘A’ game in both games and fed us the same medicine that we gave them last year.

“They played the underdog role really well.”

The Spartans had upset SFU in last year’s playoffs.

TWU was up 4-3 after 20 minutes but the Clan scored three times in the third period.

Jacob Mills, PJ Buys, Blair Murphy and Ryan Bakken had the TWU goals.

“Obviously, we wanted to win a championship this year, but getting first place in the regular season is a step forward for our program,” Kropf added.

“Now, hopefully next year we can put all these pieces together and keep building our program.”

“Even though we took one on the chin tonight, we’ll be stronger because of it and I’m looking forward to what that looks like next year,” the coach added.

The Spartans went a program-best 17-5-0-2 during the regular season.

But the team lost game one 3-2, having what seemed to be a goal disallowed as the referees called it off, explaining they didn't see the puck go into the net.

“It’s really frustrating when you have a situation where we clearly scored what could have been the tying goal and it was called off,” Kropf said.

“It was in by a mile. It was unbelievable. For them to not be in position to make that call, it’s frustrating.

"That game should have been decided in overtime. Then, even if we lose in overtime, at least it would be an honest loss.”

Mattias Schmitt and Jake Harcoff had the Spartan goals in that contest.