Tonights game was a rusty, didn't really get going tonight Grizzlies team v's a determined Bulldogs team who fought for every puck.
1st Period: Saw the Bulldogs start with a high tempo feel to their game which they carried through all three periods. Garret Rockafellow, would be forced into some early saves and kept the Dogs at bay, who out shot the Grizz 14-8 in the first period. However, it would be the Grizzlies who would get on the board first, as Gonzales and Murphy would combine to put an inch perfect shot through to Ten Vaanholt, who in turn would give Alberni goalie, Max Fenkell no chance to make it 1-0 Grizzlies.
Both teams would have there chances on the powerplay in the first, including a Grizzlies 5 on 3 advantage. But, it would be the Bulldogs who would make the man advantage count as former Victoria forward, Dylan Nowarkowski would finally beat Rockafellow after 16 minutes to tie it up 1-1 at the end of the first period.
2nd Period: The Bulldogs really looked the better team in the second as they forechecked well, battled for the puck and really closed the Grizzlies down in their own end. They peppered Rockafellow's goal,but Garrett would hold firm, keeping Victoria alive in the second period.
Despite having the only two powerplays in the second, the Grizzlies couldn't capitalise on them.
3rd Period: Really, a repeat of the 2nd period as Victoria couldn't get anything going offensively and Alberni looking the more likely to score and score they did. Just two minutes into the third, would see Walker Hyland power a shot by Rockafellow for the 2-1 lead. Despite a little pressure towards the end of the third, the Grizzlies couldn't solve Fenkell and the Bulldogs came out deserved victors on the night, 2-1.
Game Thoughts Grizzlies: Maybe to much Turkey or something along those lines, as Victoria really didn't compete tonight. Garret Rockafellow, was the only bright light in a game that saw them drop two points on home ice to the bottom placed team .Managing only 16 shots on goal tonight is another sore point on this defeat.
Victoria, simply has to raise there game to keep pace in the playoff race. I imagine an early start for the boys in the morning.
Game Thoughts Bulldogs: Quite possibly the best Bulldogs performance I've seen at Bear Mtn in a few seasons. They looked liked a team that hasn't given up on the playoff race and look ready to kick-start their season.
Standouts Victoria -
Garrett Rockafellow: Was excellent again, making some key saves in what could have been a more lob sided defeat. Rockafellow, is making a louder claim to the starting job for next season.
Standouts Bulldogs -
Justin Morello: Quick on the puck with good hands and really made life difficult for the Grizzlies defence tonight.
Evan Tironese : Worked tirelessly tonight and played a solid game.
Dylan Nowarkowski : A player I would love to see back in a Grizzlies uniform. Did a bit of everything on the ice tonight.
Attendance - 979 Shots on Goal - Grizz 16 and Dogs35
Powerplays - Grizz 0 for 6 and Dogs 2 for 5
Grizz Extra's - Mitch Guiel, is no longer with the Grizzlies and has left the club
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