Above Photo: Sophiesphotographys
Chilliwack, BC ~ The Victoria Grizzlies came from behind to defeat the Chilliwack Chiefs 2-1 on Friday night from the Chilliwack Coliseum to take a 1-0 series lead in the Coastal Conference Final.
The Chiefs came out firing in the first period and they took a lead at 7:45 when Caleb Elfering (9) found a big rebound on his stick on the slot. He wouldn’t finish that chance and the home side lead 1-0 after twenty minutes while outshooting Victoria 20-7.
The game would see no more scoring until early in the third period when Tom Molson (10) took a lead feed from Chase Pirtle and sprung behind the defense, finishing into the top right corner. That goal came on the powerplay.
With under two minutes to go and the game tied, Chilliwack’s Hunter McInnes took an undisciplined penalty and sent Victoria to the power play. It took them five seconds to gain their first lead in the game with 1:05 left on the clock when a set play was sent to Reegan Hiscock (7) in the slot to to fire a one timer into the top shelf.
The Chiefs pulled Quentin Miller to get the extra attacker however they couldn’t get a game tying goal and Victoria closed the game out effectively in their own zone to take a 1-0 series lead.
Oliver Auyeung-Ashton was splendid for Victoria who made 44 saves on 45 shots while Quentin Miller made 36 saves on 37 Grizzlies efforts.
Game two goes tomorrow night at 7:00 p.m. with Victoria looking to go up 2-0 in the series.
