FOR OPENERS, GRIZZLIES SAVE BEST FOR LAST

The Victoria Grizzlies triumphantly rang in the Bill Bestwick era on Friday night.

Leo Fitzgerald’s goal, with .6 seconds remaining in the third period, gave the home side a thrilling 3-2 win over the visiting Powell River Kings.

It came on a power play, off a long shot that just trickled through Kings goaltender Jonah Imoo’s pads, sneaking over the line before the buzzer went off. Imoo was a bandit most of the night as the Grizzlies outshot the Kings 36-19 at Bear Mountain Arena.

“Clearly it kept the fans in the game the entire game. I’m doubting anyone left the building,” said Bestwick, the new general manager and head coach, who had prepared this club well, along with associate coach Craig Didmon, stressing structure and discipline in practice all week.

“We were lucky for the third goal to go in, obviously, but it certainly validates why you put the puck on the net from anywhere, all the time,” added Bestwick. “I think if we were a little more focused in those Grade-A scoring positions instead of being casual, it might have happened sooner.”

Sporting their new uniforms and a fresh attitude, the Grizzlies used an early power-play goal from Nolan DeJong and an overall solid effort. DeJong finished with a goal and two assists as Victoria improved its B.C. Hockey League record to 2-0-0-1.

“I couldn’t have asked for a better ending, both personally and for the team,” said DeJong, who was named the first star. “This was easily my best BCHL game so far.

“That finish just shows the character this team already has. We’ve been in two overtime games, so we know what it’s like to play in close games. We don’t give up until the final buzzer and that showed tonight.”

The night came complete with a visit from the Mainland from the Green Men, Force and Sully, who kept the crowd entertained for bits at a time. The two fan favourites went to work early as Powell River’s Jordan Paddock was sent to the penalty box just 29 seconds in for holding.

Just as Paddock hit the seat in the sin bin, Sully was up with one of his patented handstands with his backside facing the glass, which drew approval from the crowd.

It also drew the opening goal as DeJong peppered Imoo with three shots from the point on the early man advantage. The third one was a charm.

Leo and Myles Fitzgerald were in on the assists for Victoria.

Matt Dupont tied it up at 4:16 of the second period and Matt Scarth made it 2-1 for the Kings on a power play after Turner Lawson was ejected for a checking from behind minor and game misconduct at 7:26 of the third period.

Myles Powell tied it at 2-2 at 12:07 of the third, then Fitzgerald snuck the winner in shortly after a 5-on-3 had expired. The power play, was 2-for-7 on the night.

Brady Rouleau made 17 saves to pick up the victory.

Off the ice, the evening had a lot going for it as well. A barbecue with kids’ activities before hand, a live band performing at intermissions, a light show to start and, of course, those Green Men, kept fans entertained.

The new team owner, Vancouver Island Sports Entertainment Ltd., did it up right and it translated into an announced crowd of 1,465.

The Grizzlies are in Cowichan Valley tonight (7 p.m.) against the Capitals in their home-opener.