Trail Smoke Eaters 3 - 2 Victoria Grizzlies @Cominco Arena, Jan 7, 2011

For a Trail team that was really there for the taking on Saturday night, the Grizzlies couldn't capitalise on the impressive victory  the night before. Trail who had just traded two of the better players away in the last couple of days(Tanner Hicks for sure), seemed to come ready for the Grizzlies and great performances for former KIJHL standout goalie, Lyndon Stanwood and former Nanaimo Clipper forward Tanner Clarkson really put the Grizzlies away.

From the broadcast it sounded like both goalies Rockafellow and Standwood would steal the show keeping the opposing forwards at bay through the first and most of the second period.
The Smokies after out shooting the Grizzlies through the mid-way point of the game, would score the first goal of the contest through an unassisted Clarkson effort. Although the Grizzlies had their chances and Rockafellow keeping the damage managable at  a1-0 Trail lead after two periods.
The 3rd period wouldn't start too well, as on the two minute mark that man Clarkson would make it 2-0 Trail, with helpers from Long and McDougall.
Alex Holland, would give the the Grizzlies a lifeline, with an unassisted effort of his own 2 minutes later to make it an interesting last 15 minutes. But, Trail, who sounded like they where the better team
on the night; would score an empty netter to all ,but, put it out of reach in the last minute.
Speedster Coltyn Hansen would score unassisted in the last minute,however, it wasn't enough as Trail would go on to record only there sixth win of the season.

Game Thoughts -  A golden opportunity for the Grizzlies, which they couldn't make count on the night in order to close the gap on their playoff rivals.
However, it isnt game over or finished. Why you ask, we still have to play the Coquiltlam Express five times this season. If the Grizzlies can keep a good run of form going and keep pace with Nanaimo and Coquitlam, the Grizzlies are still in this.
Its not a mountian to climb, more of a really tricky hill to navigate. But, depending on what the Grizzlies do at the tradeline, the towel shouldn't be thrown in yet. This tricky hill is, that this Victoria team being 8 points out of 4th spot right now.

Credit to Garrett Rockafellow, who turned in yet another solid performance.

Attendence - 1012    Shots on Goal - Trail 33 and Victoria 36     
Powerplays  - Trail 0 for 3 and Victoria 0 for 4