GRIZZLIES CLAW THEIR WAY BACK TO VICTORY

The Victoria Grizzlies started the month of February the way they ended January, earning valuable points in another B.C. Hockey League outing.

The Island Division leaders battled back from 2-0 and 3-2 deficits to win 4-3 in double overtime at Hap Parker Arena in Powell River on Friday night, dumping the host Kings.

Myles Fitzgerald scored the game-winner in the 3-on-3 second extra session, his fourth overtime goal of the season and eighth game-winner. Earlier he extended his point-scoring streak to 17 games with an assist on Nolan DeJong’s first of two goals.

Fitzgerald finished with two goals and a helper for the Grizzlies, who — after going through the month of January earning a point in every game (7-0-0-3) — looked to stumble slightly on the first of February.

Drew Dorantes opened the scoring for the Kings in the second period and added his second to make it 2-0 for the hosts.

DeJong finally got the Grizzlies on the scoreboard and Fitzgerald then tied it at 2-2 late in the second.

Luke Nogard scored early in the third for the Kings, but DeJong evened it back up at 3-3 on a power play midway through.

It was the second of four straight games against the Kings, a team the Grizzlies — who clinched their playoff spot last week — could very well face in the first round best-of-five series.

Victoria continues to lead the Island Division and the entire BCHL with a 30-9-0-5 record.

The teams meet again today at 5 p.m. in Powell River before they return to action on Tuesday at Bear Mountain Arena. Kade Pilton should be back from suspension for Victoria.

Keyler Bruce (suspension) got back into the Victoria lineup on Friday, as did Stefan Nicholishen who came back from his leg gash.

mannicchiarico@timescolonist.com

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SCORING SUMMARY

PERIOD 1

No Scoring

PERIOD 2

Powell River Kings at 4:42 – Drew Dorantes(unassisted)

Powell River Kings at 7:34 (SH) – J.P Villeneuvefrom Drew Dorantes

Victoria Grizzlies at 12:12 – Nolan DeJongfrom Myles Fitzgerald

Victoria Grizzlies at 18:56 – Myles Fitzgeraldfrom Nolan DeJongand Brady Rouleau

PERIOD 3

Powell River Kings at 2:03 – Luke Nogardfrom Teagan Waughand Brian Rideout

Victoria Grizzlies at 7:25 (PP) – Nolan DeJongfrom Zach Urbanand Dante Hahn

OVERTIME PERIOD 2

Victoria Grizzlies at 2:23 – Myles Fitzgeraldfrom Leo Fitzgeraldand Zach Urban