Both goalies deserve a tip of the hat as they both kept their teams in this game up until the end of the game.Victoria and Langley, wouldn't give up an inch of ice in this Sunday afternoon match up at Bear Mtn Arena, which may not have had the drama of dramatic comebacks or goals galore, it was just good blue collar hockey!!!
1st and 2nd Period - Both teams would press each other in the first two periods which at times was a chippy affair. No less than 18 penalties where dished out by the inconsistent reffing of Mike Campbell. Ten Vaanholt and Murphy would trouble R'men goalie James Barr quickly and often,but, with his mammoth defencemen, Bakken, Bell, Nitsche,Chichkin and Whitely would keep the attack minded Grizzlies forwards off the score sheet. At the other end, Robertson and his defencemen aided by AP and I'm sure future Grizzlies star Garret Kemmler, would drive back the frustrated Rivermen forwards. Rockafellow, in his first start in recent games was excellent and was quick and dealt with anything Langley threw at him. It would remain 0-0 after the first two.
3rd period - Would see both teams again try and break the dead lock, which would eventually happen on a Grizzlies PP after a high sticking incident. Holland, would drive to the net and with the Grizzlies buzzing all over the Langley zone, Murphy would finally score by the unlucky James Barr for a 1-0 Grizzlies lead. With the mid way point of the period approaching, Woodyatt and ex Grizz Mike Tebbutt would drop the gloves which would result in them going down on the ice and Tebbutt taking a bite out of Woodyatt's hand. By Kevin's reaction and the treatment he received afterwards, Woody was in a fair bit of pain. A number of fans and myself where quite disgusted with the incident and Mike Tebbutt should give his head a shake after that one.
Back to the hockey and after some good chances at each end, both Rockafellow and Barr would stay cool under pressure. After some scrappy play and a some cheap shots from both teams, Head Coach Len Barrie, would lose his cool and told referee Campbell in his finest Langfordese, what he though of his officiating. Bye bye Barrie was the result of this conversation as the Grizzlies owner and coach was sent to the stands and penalty against his team. This, however, would put Langley on a 5 on 3 which they couldn't capitalize on, except for a great shot from a R'men Defencemen which was screaming towards the net but, Rockafellow, positioned himself nicely to pull off a great glove save. That save got a great response for the home fans and for Rockafellow would cap an excellent shut out performance. The Grizzlies would add an empty netter in the last minute from the consistent Cam Lawson who made it a 2-0 Grizzlies final!!!
Games Thoughts for the Grizzlies: Another well rounded team effort from the Grizzlies which saw them grind out this win and make few errors at the back. Some good solid Rockafellow goaltending and the ability to keep Langley off the score sheet, capped a very solid 2 wins from 3 games in 3 night.
This win keeps Victoria in third place with a record of 9 wins and 7 losses and the winners of 8 of there last 10 games. Wade Murphy still tops the BCHL scoring charts.
Braxton Bilous was a scratch today, I'm not sure if he was healthy scratch or not,but, here's hoping Braxton can gets his season going soon. The talent is there!!!!!
Credit to the Penalty killers tonight who didn't give Langley any chance to get anything going.
Games Thoughts for the Rivermen: Although this was there third loss to Victoria in 2 weeks, Langley battled hard and defended well and along with goalie James Barr where unlucky not to take something from this game. Although anchored to the bottom of the conference, this league is well matched and tight, so a good run from Langley might see them back in contention soon.
Nice bus/coach the Langley organization has with the logo and design on it, which just goes to show how serious the Henderson's are about turning Langley into one of the top Jnr A teams in the league!!
Standouts for the Grizzlies:
Garrett Rockafellow- After a couple of shaky outings, Rockafellow stood tall tonight stopping all 34 shots he faced. From the warm up, you could feel the vibe that Rocks gave out, looking ready and determined this afternoon. Quick and alert all game and with the shut out as well, should give Garrett a lot of confidence moving forward.
Standouts for the Rivermen:
James Barr - With a good Scottish name, Barr lived it up to it tonight with a steely/stingy display that took a powerplay in the third for the Grizzlies to solve him. Making 34 saves he kept Langley in it all afternoon and deserved the applause he got from the crowd for his 2nd star honors today.
3 Stars of the Games - 1st * Garrett Rockafellow 2nd * James Barr 3rd * Wade Murphy
Attendance - 831( eyes wonder) Shot on Goal - Victoria 34 and Langley 34 Powerplays - Victoria 1 for 6 and Langley 0 for 8
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| Tonights first star of the game Garrett Rockafellow. |
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