Cleve Dheensaw / Times Colonist
OCTOBER 26, 2018 09:53 PM
The Victoria Grizzlies used a fast start en route to a 4-2 B.C. Hockey League victory over the Chilliwack Chiefs on Friday night at Prospera Centre in the Fraser Valley.
The Island Division-leading Grizzlies moved to 11-6-1, while the Mainland Division powerhouse Chiefs fell to 13-6.
Victoria got first-period goals by Marty Westhaver and Cameron Thompson to take a 2-0 lead in a big period for the visitors, who outshot the hosts 21-5 in the opening frame.
The Chiefs, who were 7-0 at home heading into Friday’s game, levelled in the second period with goals in quick succession by Ethan Bowen at 13:34 and Brett Rylance less than a minute later. Westhaver, with his fourth goal of the season, restored Victoria’s lead at 17:41. That turned out to be the winner with defenceman Carter Berger providing the insurance goal at 13:41 of the third period.
Kurtis Chapman made 27 saves in goal for the Victoria, while Mathieu Caron blocked 39 shots for the Chiefs.
The Grizzlies road swing continues tonight in Merritt against the Centennials (11-8), who were 6-1 losers to the Penticton Vees on Friday in a matchup of Interior Division heavyweights.
Victoria concludes the road trip Sunday in Surrey against the Eagles (6-14) and the Grizzlies will be looking to avenge a 6-5 shootout loss to Surrey in their last meeting.
The Grizzlies’ next home date is Nov. 2 when the Trail Smoke Eaters pay a visit to The Q Centre in Colwood.
