Above Photo: Grizzlies in action against the Alberni Valley Bulldogs on Friday Night (Photo: Kyle Robinson Photography)
Victoria, BC ~ The Victoria Grizzlies stomped down the Alberni Valley Bulldogs 9-3 on Friday night from the Q Centre at the Grizzlies 2024-25 season home opener.
Alberni Valley jumped out on the front foot as they scored on their first shot of the game with Grayson Badger netting the goal. Victoria responded back with three of their own before the period was up. First Drew Hockley tapped home a centering pass from Landon Mackie, before Hockley netted another for the Grizzlies after a gorgeous move at the blue line and wrist shot to the top corner. Regan Hiscock rounded out the scoring in the period by cleaning up a rebound at the side of the net.
Hiscock wound score again just 16 seconds into the second period after finding the puck on his stick in the slot before firing it past Alberni netminder Colin Winn.
The Bulldogs responded by getting with two off the stick of McCarthy Richardson finishing off a nice 2 on 1 passing play, however it was all Grizzlies from there. First Tom Molson firing a puck low blocker for his first in the BCHL, then Grizzly captain Jacksenn Hungle banked a centre pass in off a defenseman’s skate and finally Dan D’Alessandro ripped a wrist shot to the top corner for his first in the BCHL before the 40 minute mark of the game.
Tobias Pitka opened the third period with another Grizzlies early frame marker after he banged a Molson shot and rebound home. Brady McIsaac scored a consolation goal for the Bulldogs however Reegan Hiscock slid a puck through the five hole of Ryder Shea (who came on in relief in the third period) for his hat trick goal leaving the final score 9-3.
it was an unceremonious first trip to Victoria for the Bulldogs lost big time to either Island rivals. They would exit the ice to the song “Who Let The Dogs Out” playfully coming down from the Q Centre rafters.
Quick Quips:
- Victoria starts the season 3-0 making for a lovely way to start the year including welcome over 1100 happy fans into the Q Centre.
- Oscar Pantzare had a memorable fight in the corner of the Grizzlies zone, getting the better of Bulldogs forward; Jacob Terpstra.
- Drew Hockley has set a Grizzlies franchise record for most goals and points for a defenseman through three games with five goals and nine points
Three Stars:
- Reegan Hiscock: 3 goals
- Drew Hockley: 2 goals and 2 assists
- Malcolm Green: 2 assists
What’s Next?
The Grizzlies welcome the Cowichan Valley Capitals into town tomorrow night with puck drop at 6:00 PM. The Capitals won 8-2 against the Powell River Kings last night for the Cowichan Community Arena.
