Storm Wahlrab can’t wait to get home.
Come Sunday the rugged Victoria Grizzlies’ forward will kick up his feet, likely grab a surfboard and carve a few turns into the waves at home at Laguna Niguel, Calif.
It’s a long way from the snow that came down in Victoria on Friday. Not that Wahlrab didn’t appreciate that little surprise before he and his teammates carved out a come-from-behind 5-3 win over the Trail Smoke Eaters at Bear Mountain Arena.
“I have seen snow before. The first time I was probably about two, up in the mountains skiing,” Wahlrab said with a chuckle. “Other than that, only on hockey trips.
“I’ve never lived in it, so this was a rare occurrence. I like it though. Today was weird driving, taking it extra slow, but it was cool.”
It was slow and steady on the roads, totally opposite to what fans are accustomed to seeing from him at the rink where his game might be described as reckless abandon.
Storm is an appropriate name for the six-foot-three, 205-pound fiery redhead, who doesn’t hold back.
The 19-year-old returned to the lineup on Friday after sitting out a pair of games due to suspension for a hit to the head in a 5-1 win over Powell River the Friday previous. He was right back to his aggressive self against Trail as Victoria received goals from Mitch Meek and Garrett Forster in the last six minutes to pull out the win in a lacklustre game.
“Typical Christmas game. I think there was a lack of focus early,” said Grizzlies head coach Craig Didmon. “I think they thought it would be easy. You look at the records of the two teams — that’s what happens in hockey, if you’re overconfident and think you’re better than somebody else, they come out and work harder than you.
“That’s why hockey is a great sport because anything can happen.”
Jesse Schwartz, Mark McLellan and Dante Hahn also scored for the Grizzlies, who were without Gerry Fitzgerald, who was on the shelf with brother Leo. Bryan Basilico, Sheldon Brett and Jake Kauppila replied for Trail.
Goaltender Alec Dillon earned his 13th win in his last 16 appearances.
The Grizzlies — who are home to the Alberni Valley Bulldogs tonight at 7:15 — escaped surrendering a second straight loss.
As for Wahlrab: “I miss home. I like the change of weather in Victoria though. It’s hockey season and there’s no better place to play hockey than in Canada, right,” he said.
“I grew up surfing and playing in the sand. It’s a little different here. We still have an ocean, there’s still water all around, it’s just a little colder and not as many waves,” he said with a laugh. “It’ll be nice to get away, see the family and regroup.”
He’ll work out over the eight days, surf and visit Disneyland.
Not your typical Christmas break for BCHLers.
mannicchiarico@timescolonist.com
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