Alberni Valley Bulldogs 6-3 Victoria Grizzlies @ Weyerhauser Arena, Jan 13, 2012

Pregame Thoughts: When Scott Didmon was announcing the Grizzlies line up in the pregame show in Port Alberni, you couldn't help but smile a little as to how the Victoria roster has now shaped up.
The Grizzlies played with nearly 3 lines up front (Ursic and Bilious sharing time on the 3rd line and on defence) and 4 defencemen. Included in that line up was two AP's in Ellison and McBride. So from a possible line up of 20 players (12 forwards, 6 D-men and 2 goalies) the Grizzlies were a little short on manpower with 16 players. Given that Myron(long term), Lawson and Walchuk are injured, it isn't a perfect situation right now.
But, despite the challenges this roster faces tonight and indeed for the rest of the season , I do share Scott Didmon's excitement in what opportunity it gives guys like Kaiser, Holland, Hansen, Sandor, Gonzales and the younger players, with all the minutes and ice time they'll now be getting.
It's a great chance to show what some of these players can do on the top two lines and a lot more involvement on special teams. For the players left on the roster, it's there time to show what they can do this season and more importantly for next season.

Grizzlies new D-man Kevin Smith

The game itself: Didn't get off to the best of starts for the Grizzlies as a little penalty trouble and an aggressive fore-checking Bulldogs line up, would get the jump on the yellow/black with 3 goals in four minutes from Adams, Stewart(PP) and A.Kalashnikov. Not the start the boys where looking for,but, all things considered with all the changes, we always knew it would take time to adjust to the changes.
With the Grizz down 3-0 going in at the start of the 2nd period, Victoria would settle down a bit and would start to get some pucks on net. The Hansen, Powell and Holland line started to get going and with Chase Kaiser being his usually, pitbull self, the Grizzlies started to compete and match Alberni's work rate. However, it would be the Dogs, who would keep scoring as Ryan Lough would beat Rockafellow again on the 8 minute mark of the middle frame. But, the Grizzlies would keep the work rate up and would be rewarded with a PP, as leading Grizzlies scorer(healthy)Alex Holland would make it 4-1, with Hansen picking up the assist.

 

With former Kelowna Rocket, Kevin Smith's veteran leadership on the ice the Grizzlies would keep coming at the Dogs and Mike Sandor scored 5 minutes into the third, with helpers from newly acquired Mark McLellan and Schmeisser. The Grizzlies revival would prove to be short lived as two quick goals from Dorias and A.Kalashnikov would put it out of reach at 6-2. At that point, Rockafellow would be pulled for new back up Nick Taylor, who got his feet wet by stopping all 5 shots he faced in the third.
The Grizzlies would score a consolation goal from Chase Kasier on the powerplay with Kevin Smith's first BCHL assist and also a helper from wonderkid Nolan Dejong.
The game would finish with the Bulldogs running out 6-3 winners on the night.

Grizzlies Thoughts: Although the scoreline comes across as the Grizzlies being comfortably beaten, the broadcast did give us the indication that this team will battle and work hard. On a sour note, Braxton Bilious, did pick up a knock which forced him to leave the game.
I don't think anyone is talking playoffs, but, I honestly think it's going to be a fun end tot he season cheering on boys that are still with us. Victoria, in the last 20 games will certainly be in the role of underdog/spoiler, however, this is still out team and although the last place, playoff gap is now at 12 points.....................dare to dream people!!!!!
   
Attendence - 1143      Shots on Goal - Bulldogs 38 and Grizzlies 34
Powerplays - Bulldogs 1 for 3 and Grizzlies 2 for 5