Photo: Sophie’s Photographys
Victoria, BC ~ The Victoria Grizzlies killed off a late five minute major to hang on for a 3-2 victory on Saturday evening from the Q Centre in front of 1,535 fans for their 28th win of the season.
Victoria was coming off a 7-2 victory in Port Alberni last night meaning, that tonight’s matchup was always going to be a closer one with a intent on revenge Bulldogs squad rolling into town.
Alberni jumped ahead at the 16:29 mark of the first thanks to Wyatt Blace (9th) firing a one timer home after a feed from Grayson Badger. Victoria, however, would answer back quickly at 18:06 when Tom Molson (18th) finished off a weakside pass from Will Schumacher and the game was tied after twenty minutes.
Pretty passing here by the Grizzlies 🤌🤌
🎙️ @TomWilkepxp
📹 @BCHLGrizzVideo #BCHL | @BCHLGrizzlies pic.twitter.com/qOMD4uKXbb— BCHL (@BCHockeyLeague) March 23, 2025
Victoria took the lead in the second period just 1:27 into the frame with Landon Mackie (16th) being the benefactor of another nice weak side pass from Will Schumacher. Alberni Valley, much like Victoria did in the first, answered back quickly. McCarthy Richardson (5th) beat Oliver Auyeung-Ashton on a wrist shot just 42 seconds after the Mackie go ahead goal and the game was tied after 40.
A tight third period would follow and Seamus Latta (13th) staked the Grizzlies to a 3-2 lead at 7:09, cleaning up a rebound after Reegan Hiscock had fired a shot from the left wing off the post.
The Bulldogs would push, specifically when they had a five minute major penalty to kill off after Julian Cull was removed from the contest for goaltender interference. The Grizzlies would shut things down on the back end and give up next to no ice and steer the game to victory to improve to 28-17-7 and hold onto a tie for third with Cowichan Valley in the Coastal Conference.
Oliver Auyeung-Ashton became the Grizzlies all time leader in games played for a goal tender with 95 jumping over Jimi St. John.
McCarthy Richardson took home third star for the Bulldogs while Tom Molson and Will Schumacher were named second and first star respectively.
The Grizzlies will close out their season on Friday and Saturday night on the mainland with visits to both Chilliwack and Coquitlam.
