The Victoria Grizzlies' streak of inefficiency in Powell River came to a close on Friday night as the visitors recorded their first win northward since an overtime victory in the 2010-11 post-season.
The Grizzlies had lost 10 of their last 11 visits to Powell River prior to Friday night's gritty 3-2 win as 16-year-old rookie Mitch Meek notched the game-winner midway through the third period in a playoff-like game.
Powell River's Stephen Hiff and Victoria's Turner Lawson exchanged power-play goals in the opening eight minutes of the first period. Myles Powell then added a man-advantage goal for the Grizzlies at 11: 20 of the opening stanza for his 13th tally of the season as he continues to shine on a line with Chase Kaiser and Mark McLel-lan.
"We've got some chemistry, and we keep putting the pucks in the net, so it makes it that much more fun," Powell said.
Meek and Lawson had just returned to the Grizzlies' lineup, along with Leo Fitzgerald and Garrett Skrbich. Earlier in the day, the Clarkson University Golden Knights announced that Meek – who was coming off a concussion – has committed to the NCAA Division 1 school in Potsdam, New York.
Looking to turn around their losing ways in Powell River, the Grizzlies purposely left early Friday, arriving at noon.
"Historically, this team hasn't performed up to expectations in this venue, and we feel we needed a change," coach Bill Best-wick said before the trip.
The Grizzlies lost 6-2 earlier this season.
With the win Victoria improves to 18-8-0-2 and move four points up on Alberni Valley, which lost 3-2 in Salmon Arm.
The Grizzlies are back at home tonight at 7: 15 to face the BCHL's hottest team, the Surrey Eagles, who are 17-7-0-2, riding a four-game win streak.
1st STAR