Ottawa, Ontario – Michael Gallivan’s first career hat-trick helped the Ottawa West Golden Knights (18-8-2) to a 5-3 win over the Richmond Royals (8-18-1) on Thursday night at the Barbara Ann Scott Arena.
The Royals’ 2-0 lead was erased by the Golden Knights five unanswered goals between the second and third period.
“We just wore them down and this team never quits. I never thought we were out of it and once we got the lead, we didn’t let it go,” said Ottawa West Golden Knights Head Coach Steve Sundin following their final game of the first-half.
Four of the five straight goals were scored on the power-play, setting a new season-high got power-play goals scored in a game.
Ottawa West Golden Knights forward Michael Gallivan said their comeback was based on character, “We have a lot of depth and a lot of fight. We also didn’t panic when we were down. All the boys just started to relax and played our game.”
in Ottawa West’s eighth comeback win of the season, they also record their largest comeback win of the season after overcoming a 2-0 deficit.
“We did not have a good first period but the 22 shots in the second period helped and they took a lot of penalties and we capitalized with four power-play goals,” added Sundin.
Michael Gallivans first career hat-trick is the third hat-trick recorded by an Ottawa West Golden Knight this season. He extends his point-streak to five games and now leads the team with 17 goals at the break.
“When I got the hat-trick I just started laughing because I couldn’t believe it went in so soon in the third period and on the power-play again” said Gallivan.
“Being in front of the net helped because all the boys put the puck there. I just went to the net and all the boys did the rest,” smiled Gallivan when asked about how he managed to net three-goals.
The Golden Knights finish the first-half with an overall record of 18-8-2. Head Coach Steve Sundin says that he’s been very pleased but surprised with his team so far.
“I’m shocked. We’ve played a lot better than I thought we would with 17 rookies. Miguel Daoust (goaltender) is a big part of it because he wont let the guys get down and he’s so good in the room. the four 20-year-olds have complimented the rookies. As a coaching staff we really enjoy coming to the rink,” said Sundin.
The Ottawa West Golden Knights will begin 2019 against the Richmond Royals on Thursday January 3rd, 2019 at the Barbara Ann Scott Arena.
Interviews with Steve Sundin and Michael Gallivan are listed below: