A 4-0 loss to the Powell River Kings tonight on teddy bear toss night, was not without it's effort from the Grizzlies players. They came up against a big Powell River squad who where defensively sound and throw in the solid goaltending of last years RBC cup winner, Jamie Phillips it was always going to be a tough calling tonight for the boys in black and gold.
1st Period: Saw both teams battling back and forth with the Grizzlies trying to find a way through the stingy Powell River defence. Kings D-men Jutzi, Williams and Dalrymple are three of the better D-man you'll see in the league this season. Victoria, had a few chances in the first, but, didn't really trouble Phillips to much.The Grizzlies defence led by Stefan Gonzales would close down the likes of ex Grizz Evan Richardson, Teagan Waugh and Schuler for most of the first period. However, Powell River would make the break through on a Tanner Cochrane goal which beat Jamie Tucker on the 11 minute mark. The Grizzlies would go in at the end of the first down 1-0.
2nd Period: Was a lot of hard work and grind by both teams, with goalies Tucker and Phillips making a few nice stops to keep there respected teams in the contest. The Grizzlies had a couple of chances on the powerplay,however, couldn't capitalise. Myles Powell, has shown why the Grizzlies have snapped him up, as Powell is a player that sees the ice very well and with his speed and skill should adapt to the Junior A level nicely. The Grizzlies had to be sharp at times with two of the better offensive D-men in the league in Dalrymple and Jutzi, making themselves known at both ends of the ice in the second.
The teddy bears still wouldn't hit the ice, as neither team could find the net.
3rd Period: By now the teddy bear I brought with me, was starting to stare at me.
The Grizzlies started to get going at the start of the third and the 3 M's line of Myron, Murphy and Moran, started to give the Kings a few things to think about as they where buzzing around Jamie Phillips's net. Victoria, couldn't find a way to beat the big tender who is one of the best goalies we've seen come through Victoria this season. Phillips was solid,but, the Grizzlies didn't test him as much as they should have, as even on the powerplay they struggled to get the rubber on net.
After some sustained pressure from Victoria through the first eight minutes of the third; the tide would turn as Powell River would score on the pp via Willams and Scarth setting up Waugh to beat Tucker for that key second goal. Powell River's third, would come from a nicely worked goal by that man Evan Richardson, who would place a well worked goal passed Tucker, with assists from Beaton and Waugh to make it 3-0 Kings. Jamie Tucker, had come up with a number of good saves,but, was powerless to keep Richardson's shot out. With time ticking away and the Grizzlies pulling Tucker for an extra attacker for a 6 on 4 powerplay in the dying seconds, Kings forward Colin Adair would scoop up the puck in his own zone and score the empty netter for a 4-0 Powell River victory.
Classy Kings
Now you ask, what about the teddy bears. As the Grizzlies didn't score during the course of the game, the plan usually is to throw the bears out when the third period buzzer sounds. Things didn't go according to plan and with only the Powell River Kings players on the ice, the Kings players collected all the teddy bears thrown on the ice and put them into the buggy. This was a class act on the part of Kent Lewis and the Powell River Kings players, which received a great reception from the Grizzlies fans. Thank you to the Powell River Kings for that, simply class on your part!!!
Games Thoughts Victoria: Not a bad performance from the Grizzlies tonight who competed against a strong, physical Powell River line up. They simply couldn't solve Phillips or the Kings defence. One concern for the Grizzlies was the ineffective powerplay tonight and a lack of shots against Powell River. The Grizz battled hard,but, couldn't get the points going tonight. Nice performances from Myles Powell, Tucker and Gonzales throughout the game
Grizzlies Stand Outs:
Jamie Tucker - Played hard tonight and did his best to keep the Grizzlies in it. Seems to be regaining some confidence and sharpness as the season goes on. Jamie faced 30 shots tonight and played well.
Stefan Gonzales - Confident at the back and looks to be forming a good understanding with defensive partner Nolan Dejong. Fore checks well!!!
Kings Stand Outs:
Jamie Phillips - Not overly tested tonight, but, really looked the part and made the saves when needed. The big 6'3'' goalie, forms one of the best BCHL tandems with Sean Maguire and will be expected to carry the Kings deep into the playoffs.
Craig Dalrymple - A threat at both ends of the ice tonight as the big bodied defencemen didn't give the Victoria forwards an easy time of things.
Teagan Waugh - The Nanaimo native was quick, skillful and was always looking to create going forward.
Attendance - 870 Shots On Goal - Victoria 24 and Powell Rover 30
Powerplay - Victoria 0 for 6 and Powell River 1 for 2
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| Myles Powell |
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