1st and 2nd Period: So, I'm going to sum up the first two periods in one, from a Grizzlies fans perspective. It was like watching six guys play PS3, NHL 2012 for the first time online, all on the same team and not knowing who was controlling which player(Thanks Brian).
No structure, four lines not clicking, no positioning on defense , turnovers in the neutral zone and the Clippers given so much time and space going forward they scored at will. I don't believe in slamming the players,however, I'm sure they don't need to be told that they didn't play well.
The Clippers for their part in the first two periods, looked good going forward, played with confidence and seemed to have a knack for scoring on the Grizzlies net. Josh Bryan , Kyle Kramer and Gladuik looked dangerous all night . Before 40 mins of hockey was said and done, the Clippers thanks to goals from Kramer (2), Bryan, Hartskamp, Taylor and Clarkson where 6-1 up on Victoria, with Myron answering back for the home team.
While the Grizz goaltending wasn't steller, the D, wasn't helping out so much at the same time.
3rd Period: Now if you'd left at the end of the 2nd, you might think you'd entered the twilight zone if you where checking on the score at home(aka my wife).
The Grizzlies, came out to play and the team started to click. The lines of Murphy, Myron and Ten Vaanholt where looking more comfortable and started to charge at the Clippers, causing the Nanaimo D a lot of Grief. Lawson(worked his socks of all night)with Gehl and at times Moran started to show some swagger. With these two lines coming to life and a little jump up in the play from the back in the form of Robertson and Bilious, the tables swung dramatically in the Grizzlies favour.
After Gehl had tapped in a nicely timed passed from Robertson for the Grizz's second we had ourselves a ballgame. With this newly found confidence, the Grizzlies would go on to score another 4 in the 3rd with two from Lawson(one back-heeled in from the Clippers McCormack), Myron would add his second and with 2 mins to go Ten Vaanholt would make it a 7-6 Clippers game. Chants of Go Grizz Go, the energy in the building and most importantly the Grizz players showing some great attacking hockey and starting to gell, there looked to be hope of one heck of a come back.
Despite best efforts, the come back was halted when in the last 30 secs, ex Grizz Josh Bryan, would add an empty netter to send the points back to the Harbour City.
As you know, you don't win games by only playing the 3rd period, but, fans got a chance to see what this team can do once things with the Grizzlies roster becomes more set and settled!
Stand Outs for the Grizzlies:
Cam Lawson - Was a surprise pick on the roster for myself, but, for me was the best Grizz player on the night. Battled for every puck, saw the ice well, and was rewarded with two goals. Showed some good skill and looks determined to be a big part of the team this year.
Jarryd Ten Vaanholt - The 20 year old forward, looked like the attacking player he has come to the Grizzlies billed as. Hard to knock off the puck, creating some great passing, added a nice goal and got himself into good positions.
Wes Myron and Kevin Woodyatt - Neither where outstanding, but, both looked like firing the team up when on the ice and charging the boys up on the bench. Myron did have two goals and Woodyatt had the battle cry in the 3rd period when he was going forward, laying a check or dukeing it out with the Clippers, Panichelli in the 1st period.
Stand Outs for the Clippers:
Josh Bryan - Plays beyond his years and as with the Grizzlies last season, plays a solid game at both ends of the ice. Times his hits well, jumps up in the play, makes few mistakes which will translate as to how key Josh will be, to Mike Vandekamps Clippers revival.
Brett Harstkamp - Injured most of last season, I bet it's almost like having a new player in the Clippers line up. Does the little things well and works hard for three periods of hockey. Every team needs a Hartskamp who is willing to do what it takes for a team win.
Kyle Kramer - The four year Nanaimo vet, gets better every season and had two goals on the night. Kyle, is a workhorse with an eye for goal which is a combination which I'm sure will see Kyle have his best year yet in the BCHL.
Colton Dahlen - The Rookie dman, passed the puck around well tonight showing lots of confidence. Looked good going foward.
Attendence: 880 Shots on Goal: Grizz 30 - Clippers 36 Power Play: Grizz 2 for 5 - Clips 2 for 4
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