The Victoria Grizzlies completed a perfect season-opening road trip Saturday night, defeating the Alberni Valley Bulldogs 3–1 at the Alberni Valley Multiplex.
Michael Dowdall opened the scoring just 3:01 into the game, converting a setup from Levi Eiter and Alex Hendry to give Victoria an early advantage.
Alberni Valley pulled even midway through the second period. Leim Smith scored at 9:32, sending the teams into the second intermission tied at one.
For the second consecutive night, the Grizzlies found the winning goal in the third period.
Joey Brehmer restored Victoria’s lead on the power play at 7:37, scoring his second goal in as many games. Sander Molde and Anthony Roy collected their first points as Grizzlies on the eventual game-winner.
The Bulldogs pressed for the equalizer and outshot Victoria 16–12 in the final period, but Vecvanags turned aside everything directed his way.
William Léonard sealed the victory with his first goal as a Grizzly, scoring into an empty net with 20 seconds remaining. Eiter earned his second assist of the night and finished the opening weekend with four helpers.
“I really liked the maturity our group showed tonight,” said Grizzlies Head Coach and General Manager Geoff Grimwood. “It was the second game of a back-to-back against a very good team in a difficult building, and we stayed patient when the game was tied. Our special teams delivered, Mikus was outstanding again and we found a way to close out another tight game. That is a very encouraging way to begin the season.”
Vecvanags stopped 31 of 32 shots and was named the game’s first star. Brehmer earned second-star honours after scoring the deciding goal.
Victoria finished 1-for-3 on the power play and successfully killed two of three Alberni Valley opportunities. The Bulldogs held a 32–26 advantage in shots.
The Grizzlies now return to the West Shore for their Home Opener against the Surrey Eagles on Friday, September 25 at The Q Centre. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m., with the Bear Country Kickoff Party taking place outside the arena before the game.
Scoring Summary
- Victoria: Michael Dowdall, Joey Brehmer, William Léonard
- Alberni Valley: Leim Smith
- Shots: Alberni Valley 32, Victoria 26
- Power play: Victoria 1-for-3, Alberni Valley 1-for-3
- Goaltending: Mikus Vecvanags — 31 saves on 32 shots
