The Victoria Grizzlies left it to the bitter end, but claimed their second straight Island Division championship on Saturday night at the Q Centre.
With three of four Island Division playoff positions still to be determined on the final day of the B.C. Hockey League regular season, the Grizzlies — tied for first along with the Powell River Kings — needed a victory over the visiting Cowichan Capitals and required some assistance from the Alberni Valley Bulldogs, who were at home to the Kings.
The Grizzlies got both, defeating Cowichan 5-2, while the Kings lost 3-0 in Port Alberni leaving Victoria two points up on Powell River to earn the divisional crown, meaning the Grizzlies will face the fourth-place Bulldogs in the opening round of the playoffs.
It came a night after allowing first place overall in the league to slip through their fingers.
“The guys felt a little disappointed that we couldn’t collect a league championship [after losing 6-4 in Cowichan on Friday]. But it’s nice to get the Island Division championship. It’s something to be proud of for sure,” said Grizzlies head coach Craig Didmon.
Grizzlies forwards Myles Fitzgerald finished tied with Salmon Arm’s Landon Smith for the points lead as they share the Brett Hull Trophy. Both had 83 points, but Smith did have more goals (43-27). Victoria’s Gerry Fitzgerald finished two points in arrears with 81.
The Capitals, needing a point to clinch the fourth and final Island Division post-season spot ahead of Alberni, struck first as Kyle Horsman picked the top corner on Grizzlies’ goaltender Nic Renyard at 8:19 of the first. But a pair of power-play goals 1:35 apart, from Garrett Forster and Jacob Kearley, gave Victoria a 2-1 lead after 20 minutes.
Captain Mark McLellan made it 3-1 for the Grizzlies just 3:21 into the final period. Horsman and Leo Fitzgerald traded goals in the final six minutes before Myles Fitzgerald added an empty-netter.
Powell River had won four straight coming into Saturday while the Grizzlies had sputtered along this last week, losing in Alberni and Cowichan.
The Grizzlies now open the best-of-seven post-season at home on Tuesday at 7:15 p.m. with Game 2 set for Wednesday night. They will have home-ice advantage through the first two rounds at a minimum thanks to the win.
Playoff tickets are on sale on Monday at the Grizzlies’ office or call 250-385-1555.
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