Above Photo: Drew Hockley in action against the Powell River Kings in preseason (Photo: Kyle Robinson)
Powell River, BC ~ The Victoria Grizzlies defeated the Powell River Kings in overtime on Saturday night to start their season 2-0 thanks to a Drew Hockley OT winner.
Victoria began the game strong with a Stone Rolston goal before the halfway point of the period. Axel Lofgren would tie the game for the Kings before the period was up on the powerplay.
Powell RIver jumped up by two in the first five minutes of the second with goals from Jaxon Fuder and Marek Beaudoin. The Grizzlies fought back after a nice shot from Tobias Pitka found the back of the goal and than Reegan Hiscock tipped a pass from Chase Pirtle home on the powerplay.
Powell River took the lead back late in the period after a tally from Niccolo Mansueto had the Kings leading 4-3 heading to the second intermission.
It took time but the Grizzlies stuck with it and tied the game thanks to a late game tying goal from Drew Hockley jumping up from the point beating Elliott Pratt with a deke to the backhand.
Hockley wasn’t done there as he would add the overtime winner which was a shot that was saved before Powell River defenseman Wyatt Davis had it go off his skate into the goal. The hockey gods were smiling on Victoria on Saturday night.
The Grizzlies start the season off 2-0 and will head home for their home opener presented by “Chilly Ones” on September 27th from the Q Centre against the Alberni Valley Bulldogs.
