The Capitals entered the game with the third-least goals allowed in the BCHL and the Grizzlies with the lowest goal total in the league with only nine scored. But that equation was turned on its head as the Capitals fell to 3-4 and the Grizzlies improved to 2-3-2.
The Grizzlies used the power play to build a 2-0 lead with goals by Owen Bohn at 15:52 of the first period and defenceman Hoyt Stanley at 9:44 of the second period. Olivier Picard’s third goal of the season, scored unassisted, stretched that to a three goal advantage at 10:53 of the second period.
Cowichan Valley got a power-play goal of its own at 13:18 to make it 3-1 but Eli Barnett’s first goal of the season restored the Grizzlies’ three-goal margin. Victoria’s special teams were again a factor in the third period, this time the shorthanded unit, as Devon deVries’ first goal of the season made it 5-1. Luc Pelletier had two assists for the Grizzlies.
Victoria unloaded 39 shots to keep Cowichan Valley goaltender McCoy Bidwell busy all night.
Ansel Holt stopped 17 of the 18 shots he faced in the Grizzlies net.
Picard, deVries and Pelletier were named the game three stars.
In Nanaimo, the 2022 BCHL-finalist Clippers (6-1) defeated the visiting Alberni Valley Bulldogs (3-3-1) on Friday night by a 4-3 count on an overtime goal by Nick Sajevic.
The BCHL teams are preparing to descend on Chilliwack for the BCHL Showcase, a one-stop shopping event for NCAA and pro hockey scouts. Each team plays two league games in the Fraser Valley city with the Grizzlies meeting the West Kelowna Warriors on Monday morning and the Merritt Centennials on Tuesday afternoon.
The Grizzlies next home game is Oct. 22 when the Chilliwack Chiefs pay a visit to The Q Centre.
