The Delta Ice Hawks at least didn't have to wait long to put their opening night fizzle behind.
Just 24 hours after a disappointing home ice loss to the Port Moody Black Panthers to open the Pacific International Junior Hockey League regular season, the Ice Hawks rebounded with a 4-2 win over the Aldergrove Kodiaks.
Sophomore forward Aaron Merrick paced the visitors with a pair of goals, including the game winner, with 9:21 remaining.
The Kodiaks enjoyed one goal leads on two different occasions, as the Ice Hawks finally taking full control with a late insurance tally from Mitch Pacey.
Alex Martin had the other Delta goal, while Doug Birks was solid in net, turning aside 31 shots.
It was a night of frustration against the Black Panthers, as the Ice Hawks were expected to make short work of their opponent but instead ran into a hot goaltender in a 4-2 defeat.
Port Moody erased a 1-0 lead for the home team with three unanswered goals in the second period. That was more than enough for first star Nicholas Taylor who made 38 stops.
The Black Panthers could only muster 17 shots on Birks, but sealed the win on Dylan Friel's goal midway through the final period.
Spencer Traher and Byron Maxwell scored for the Ice Hawks. It was Maxwell's first goal playing for his hometown team after being acquired in a trade with Mission.
The Ice Hawks return to action on Tuesday when the Abbotsford Pilots visit the Ladner Leisure Centre. Game time is 7:30 p.m.
