BCHL Preseason: Caps 3 -3 Grizzlies

In a well fought, energetic all be a little scrapy encounter at times, the Caps and Grizz fought to a well earned tie for both sides. From a fans stand point we saw some nicely worked goals, determined play, players still getting to know each other and a couple of fights. Friday night at the Stick was enough for players and fans alike to get there feet wet for the upcoming season.
With a few vets dressing for both line ups, but, as predicted a lot of the guys on the ice tonight where looking to show there worth to make there respected teams and show the coaches they belong in the BCHL.

1st Period: Started well for the Grizzlies with the hard work and fearless play of Coltyn Hansen scoring in the first minute to the put the Grizz up by 1. The Caps would return the favour with former VIJHL stand out Travis Stephens tieing it up. Goalies Doan for the Caps and Chester for the Grizzlies would continue to be tested in the first period with Adam Fares scoring from distance with a shot that flew by Doan's left shoulder leaving the 20 yr old motionless. The Grizz would make it 3-1 towards the end of the 1st with Coltyn Hansen added his 2nd after a well worked goal which was finished nicely by the North Delta Devil. Hansen, McMullen, Meyer and D men Cody Larsen and Bonner where all making impressions with there skill and hardnosed approach to the game for the Grizz.

2nd Period: Bit of a see-saw battle withthe  Caps coming more involved with vets McDonald, Bruce, Mistral and D- man Vincent Muto(my view the Caps players of the game) causing the Grizzlies all kinds of problems. Numerous penalites wouldn't help Victoria's cause either in the 2nd. The Caps would pull another goal back before Victoria's, Woodyatt and the Caps Kinney would drop the gloves and throw a few hay makers each making for a good bout. Woodyatt look to have gotten the upper hand in this one.
Steve Heslop would replace Matt Chester in goal at the mid way point of the 2nd.

3rd Period: Caps came out ready play and put the Grizzlies under a lot of pressure with Brandon Mistral, looking dangerous all night and finally putting the Caps on level terms with a well placed goal. The Vet pressence of Robertson, Renner and Mitchell Smith would battle to keep the Grizz on an even keel. MacDonald and Fares took part in the 2nd dance of the night with MacDonald just edging it with a solid right.
At the final buzzer both benches agreed to one OT of 5 mins where nothing further was settled.

Stand outs for the Grizzlies:
  Coltyn Hansen - had a couple of nice goals and with his speed and ability to battle in the corners for pucks, the 19 yr old could be a good pick up for the Grizzlies foward corp.
 Sam McMullan -  a tall energizer bunny like display, who worked hard and chased after pucks all night. The current Saanich Braves star and hopefully future Grizzlies star worked hard every shift he came out for.
Travis Meyer, Bonner, Walchuk and Cody Larsen played well tonight with Larsen showing that no-nonsense, hard nosed approach in the Grizzlies rear-guard tonight.

Stand outs for the Caps:
Vince Muto -  Well built D-man who threw his weight around all night making some great hits, timely interceptions and looked dangerous everytime going forward. Kid looks like a keeper.
Brandon MacDonald - A player that has improved each BCHL season in a Caps uniform. Does a bit of everything on the ice and leads by example. Looks ready to become the leader on this Caps team this year.
Brandon Mistrel - Part of the Mike Hammond trade, looked like he will be an important piece of the Caps forward line with timely goals and looked the part in the Caps powerplay. Looked like he would be very comfortable on the Caps top line this season.

Line Ups ----------------------Grizzlies------------------------------

Line 1.      Meyer - Palmer - Lawson
Line 2.      Gordon - Sandor - Hansen
Line 3.      Renner - Fares - Smith
Line 4.      McMullen - Walchuk - Martin

D Men    1. Robertson - Pears
               2. Woodyatt - Larsen
               3. Bodeaux - Bonner

Goalies  Matt Chester and Steve Heslop

Line Ups ----------------------Capitals------------------------------

Line 1.       Charles - Jones - Wright
Line 2.       Pope - Cooper - Stephens
Line 3.       Bruce - Feaney - Mistral
Line 4.       Lamb - MacDonald - Kinney

D men     1. Everson - Paterson
                2. London - Muto
                3. MarcInew - Cordier

Goalies  Mike Doan and Derek Dun

Pics to follow :)