By Jim den Hollander

Editor/Publisher

Saukhockey.info

Coming off its most lopsided defeat of the season, the RWD varsity Cheavers embarked on a northern swing and passed a big test Friday night with a 4-1 win on the road at the Somerset Ice Arena against the host Somerset Spartans.

Everyone turned in a better effort, led by junior goaltender Cooper Oakes who turned aside 22 of 23 shots he faced to collect his eighth victory of the season and senior forward Danny Ely who had a hand in all four RWD goals, scoring two setting up the others.

The first period few by without a goal or an infraction but Ely got things started quickly in the second, converting a pass from freshman Brady Baldwin just 35 seconds into the frame.

Ely struck again, unassisted this time just over a minute later and he helped extend the lead again with 3:59 to play in the session, returning the favor to Baldwin with a set up on his goal.

Carsen Brandt added a fourth goal on an RWD powerplay with 1:15 to play in the frame and Ely collected another assist.

Spartans finally put one by Oakes 33 seconds from the end of the second period, but it was the only shot that would elude the keeper on the night.

RWD posted a 28-23 edge in shots and boosted its overall record to 9-3. The Cheavers were scheduled to move 15 minutes down the road to wrap up its northern weekend at Baldwin with an afternoon game on Saturday. These are the first two of five straight on the road for the Cheavers.

Danny Ely’s second goal of the game, 2:44 into the second period was an unassisted goal and stood up as the game winner against Somerset.