Port Alberni, BC ~ The Victoria Grizzlies snapped their five game losing streak by assaulting the Alberni Valley Bulldogs 7-2 on Friday night from the Alberni Valley Multiplex.
Victoria jumped out to a hot start and looked strong in the first period. They lead after 20 thanks to Tom Molson’s 16th of the year after a powerful Will Schumacher forecheck loosened the puck up for Molson to stuff it in on an alert wrap around. Easton Kovacs picked up the secondary assist.
In the second period Victoria gave up an early goal just 11 seconds into the frame when Jacob Terpstra (21st) made a deke after a feed into the zone from Dryden Kuramoto. An early tally had the game tied for most of the second.
Victoria, a team in need of a confidence boost, got that boost late in the frame when Malcolm Green (8th), Chase Pirtle (24th) and Landon Mackie (15th) all scored within 1:45 of each other. Pirtle’s was on the powerplay while the other two were at even strength giving the Grizzlies a 4-1 lead after 40.
In the third period Victoria continued their dominate play by scoring three straight again without a Bulldogs answer. First it was Tom Molson’s second of the game before Tobias Pitka finished off his 15th of the year after a highlight reel feed from Will Schumacher. Julian Cull rounded out the Grizzlies scoring by pushing up the left wing and wiring a wrist shot of the near post and in.
The Bulldogs scored a consolation goal at 18:56 on the powerplay before Victoria’s Easton Kovacs fought Zeke Nicholson at the side of the net after the goal. Grizzlies 17 year old rookie Max Silver would then fight Bulldogs 20 year old Brady McIsaac off the ensuing draw for a memorable bout that saw Silver land two big right hands and the take down.
The Grizzlies were in need of a confidence booster and Friday night was certainly that for an important and resounding victory over their island rivals.
Victoria is back in action tomorrow night against the Bulldogs again from the Q Centre for their final home game of the season. Tickets are available to see them one last time before the playoffs by CLICKING HERE.
