A few nice touches before the start of the game, saw the Grizzlies deservedly honor, Wes Myron who came decked out in his Team Canada jersey and gold medal. This was a treat to see and exciting to share in Wes's accomplishments. A good few years of hard work paying off for Wes, as well as an experience at the World Junior A championships he will have for a lifetime.
The ceremonial puck drop was done by a member of the world champion New Zealand Rugby Team(Union) Adam Thomson who's currently touring the country and the rugby hot bed that is Vancouver Island.
Now back to the game where that man Myron, would be a big part of it,but, his magic wouldn't come into play until a hat trick in the last 5 minutes of the game won the bout for the Grizzlies.
1st Period: The Bulldogs would start the livelier of the two teams, after a real battle of a first period which would catch the Grizzlies flatfooted in the middle of a powerplay. Dogs vet Berkholtz, would take off down the ice and slot the puck to Ryan Lough who would beat Jamie Tucker for a short handed goal to make it 1-0 Alberni. Some nice passing by the dogs would see a 2-0 lead after Strand, would score after Alberni had piled on some continued early pressure.The Grizzlies would see there offence come to life a little, after Wes Murphy robbed Marlon Sabo in the Dogs own zone, for a quality pass to Myron who fed the puck to Ten Vaanholt to beat dogs goalie Max Fenkell, who had been sharp in the early going.
Some questionable calls and missed calls by ref Mike Christians would see the Dogs go on the powerplay to restore there 2-0 lead and go into the 2nd period, 3-1 up.
2nd Period: Would be a back and forth affair with both teams battling hard. The only goal of the period would come from the Grizzlies thanks to the inform Brad Gehl coolly place a beauty of a shot from some distance; beating Fenkell in his top right hand corner. 3-2 Bulldogs going into the third.
3rd Period: The Wes Myron show and Nolan DeJong should also take a bow as the Grizzlies would score 4 unanswered goals.
DeJong,was excellent all night skating hard, keeping the Dogs forwards in check and creating chances whenever he got up ice. His hard work would be rewarded, as the Grizzlies faithful got to there feet after a crisp shot from Nolan, would beat Fenkell to tie it up at 3-3. The Grizzlies would go after a tired looking Dogs team in the third after that equalizer.
The top line of Myron, Murphy, Ten Vaanholt along with the Whitby Terror,Taylor Pernerowski would start to pick Alberni apart. Pernerowski would pick out Myron to score the go ahead goal with 5 minutes to go. Pernowski along with Murphy, would set up Myron again a minute later to put the Grizzlies in control of the game 5-3. Wes, wasn't done there as he would add an empty netter for his hatrick and the Grizzlies sixth goal sealing the deal and an important Grizzlies home win.
Grizzlies MC, Tom Grainger would give the Grizzlies fans and the finale of the game, a nice touch by signing off with the tune " Who let the Dogs out..woof...woof...woof.....woof...woof"
Game Thoughts Victoria: A lackluster first period an improved 2nd and the comeback kids seel the deal in the third. Having Myron, Murphy and Bilious back in the line up, allowed the Grizzlies to have there deadly first line back on patrol and depth back int he line up. Nolan Dejong keeps getting better which is a real enjoyment to watch. Kemmler was playing as a forward tonight and didn't look out of place. look more comfy on the D, but, nice to have another versatile player in the squad
Scratches for the Grizzlies: Woodyatt, Walchuk and Lilles
We Myron returns to the squad after 10 games out, scoring 3 goal and an assist. Welcome back Wes:)
Game Thoughts Alberni: They battled hard and not having an injured Dylan Norwakowski in the line up didn't help there cause. The dogs where the better team in the first, but, faded in the last two periods a bit. Max Fenkell, faced a lot of Victoria rubber tonight,but, was again impressive.
Attendence: 963(getting closer) Shots on Goal: Grizzlies 36 and Bulldogs 30
Powerplay: Grizzlies 0 for 6 and Bulldogs 1 for 5
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