I don't think the format for the start of the season for the Grizzlies, is to come out and play just the third period. There wasn't much life in the team with Nanaimo really taking control of the the first two periods and looking to be cruising at that point at 4-0.
But, then came the third period and WHAT A THIRD PERIOD. The Grizzlies came out like a team possessed and with the top line turning into a unstoppable force with Myron, Murphy and Ten Vaanholt leading a fantastic comeback including a Mike Moran OT winner at 1:41 of the first OT period, sealed the deal.
1st Period : The Clippers, looked good early on and a Kyle Kramer goal on the 2 minute mark set the tone for the period. The Clippers, would keep the Grizzlies under the cosh for the better part of the first 20 mins. Cyr, would add a second from a rebound off Tucker. The Grizzlies had trouble getting anything going and seemed to go with a dump and run tactic which wasn't proving to effective against a well organized Mike Vandekamp squad.
2nd Period: Much the same story as the first, which turned into the Kyle Kramer show as he added a screamer of a shot over Tucker's left shoulder for his 2nd. Kramer, would complete his hat trick with a slick pass from Fitzgearld allowing Kramer to squeak the puck under Tucker for a 4-0 Clippers lead. The top line of Myron, Murphy and Ten Vaanholt looked like they where moving up a gear,but, couldnt get on the score sheet. Credit to Nanaimo they played well and rookies Flynn and Neher looking good along with the Clips vets.
3rd Period: To quote the great Seattle Mariners commentator Dave Niehaus " My Oh My", the Grizzlies came out looking like a whole diffrent team. With the first line clicking and running the Clippers wragged, allowing the defenceto start to settle down with Tucker making some nice saves. But, it was the top line that stole the show. Ten Vaanholt, would add his first of four points by thundering a shot by Clippers goaltender Billy Faust for the 'start of the great escape'. Ten Vaanholt, would add his 2nd goal on the PP with some nice persistance from the Grizzlies; allowing a nice pass from Pernerowski to Myron who laid it on nicely for Ten Vaanholt to beat Faust again. Wade Murphy, with his speed and skating ability, tormented the Clippers throughout the third and he would be rewarded from a nice quick passing display from his line mates Myron and Ten Vaanholt, to score the Grizz's third marker. Roared on by the Grizzlies faithful, an equalizing goal didn't look out of the question.
Myron, during all of this 3rd period Grizzlies fire was picture perfect in his passing ability and with his confidence looking sky high, set up that man Murphy again for an improbable comeback as 'Murph' hit home the equalizer, in the last minute to set up OT.
Mike Moran, Lawson and Pernerowski along with the rest of the team really worked hard, to bring Victoria back into the game along with of course with the MTM (Murph/TenVaanholt/Myron)line.
After a well rounded impressive first two periods, the Clippers just seemed to have run out of steam and didn't have an answer during that third period comeback.
OT Period : 4 on 4 saw the Grizzlies momentum carry over into OT, with most of the pressure again being on Billy Faust's net. After some good work from Pernerowski, he got the puck to Mike Moran who would skate down the right wing, beating a couple of Clippers before cutting in nicely to slot it by Faust; for a great OT winner and a fantastic comeback.
Stand out for the Grizzlies:
Wade Murphy - Every game he improves and looks right at home on the topline with Myron and Ten Vaanholt. 'Murph' potential, was very apparent last season and despite a rough start to the season from this team, Wade, at 18 is turning into a quality Junior A player. He looks like he can and will dominate at this level as he keeps improving at this rate he is going. Murphy, had 2 goals and 1 assist tonight.
Wes Myron - Nice to see Wes, wearing an 'A' on his jersey tonight. Like Murphy, has really stepped it up a gear so far this season and was involved in everything being instrumental in all four comeback goals. Wade had four assists tonight
Jarryd Ten Vaanholt - Like a Dutch soccer striker, Jarryd has an eye for goal along with a hard/ accurate shot that gave the Clippers netminder no chance on his two goals. Ten Vaanholt, looks to be really clicking with his line mates and will add much needed experiance to that line and to the team this season. Jarryd had 2 goals and 2 assists tonight. He should have a career year!!!
Taylor Pernerowski- Really looked liked the D man of last season tonight, shutting down the Clippers forwards and getting up in the attack to provide key support for the Victoria attackers.
Stand outs for the Clippers:
Kyle Kramer - To say Kyle enjoys playing the Grizzlies would be an understatement. He has 9 points in 3 games against the gold and black this season. Kramer, looked dangerous whenever he was on the puck tonight.
Sean Flynn - The rookie 18 yr old from Cary, NC looked good at both ends of the ice tonight.Looked steady in defence and got forward when needed making some important interceptions.
Trevor Fitzgearld - Tough, experianced forward who adds a lot of energy on each shift he's out for. Nice pick up by Mike VandeKamp from the Spruce Kings.
Just to add - It was great to see the boys at the end of the game celebrating and congratulating each other on the come back. You could feel the vibe from the ice translate into the stands and vice-versa. Again this comeback must show the players, what they are capable of as a team.
Attendence: 761 Shots on Goal: Grizz 34 - Clippers 18 Power Play: Grizz 1 for 8 and the Clippers where 0 for 4.
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