With a crowd on over a 1000 on hand and the Grizzlies Ice for Water Charity foundation night coming across as a big success again this season, both clubs would keep the fans entertained.
The new look Grizzlies are starting to get some respect around the league and rightly so, as they took the game to Merritt and competed again for three periods of hockey. Although Merritt at times where camped out in the Grizzlies zone, Rockafellow who was solid on the night would keep the Grizzlies in it and the competitive spirit on display from guys like Smith, Lawson, Powell, Holland, Schmeisser, Kaiser and the rest of the squad, made the Centennials look up and take notice.
Credit to the Grizz, as going into the end of the first they had worked Merritt hard and where winning the battles in the neutral zone.
However, Victoria would go behind to a Ross Manuco goal, his first in the BCHL with a nice pass from the impressive Regan Soquila right at the end of the first.
The second period would see the Grizzlies tie it up against the run of play, after some nice puck movement from Smith and Kaiser would set up Coltyn Hansen for the equaliser.
Both teams would battle in the middle frame,but, it would be the Cents that would score the go-ahead goal, as Chad Brears would give the visitors a 2-1 lead.
The third period would see the Grizzles start off brightly and put some sustained pressure on the Cents. Stefan Gonzales, who was excellent all night was getting forward in some good positions and also closing down Merritt's forward battery. The Grizzlies would come unravelled on there own powerplay, as a breakaway from Regan Soquila when of the best '93' players in the league, would beat Rockafellow for a 3-1 Cents lead, shorthanded.
Tyler Steel, the Merritt goalie would stand firm after stopping a few good opportunities from the Grizz.
With both teams battling hard until the end, the Cents would kill off the game when Chad Brears would score his 2nd of the night with an empty netter to make it a 4-1 final for the visitors.
Game Thoughts Victoria: The team is gelling and seems to be pumped for every game. The guys are making the most of their opportunities they have, despite being undermanned and winless in the last
7. The effort is there and there should be a few wins in this team before the seasons out.
Gonzales, Smith and Kaiser are really taking on the roles as leaders on this club well and Hansen, , Holland, Powell and Lawson are playing well on the first two lines.
Rockafellow, has played well and has looked confident in his last few starts. Schmeisser, has been a welcomed addition to the line up and has looked like a solid Jnr A defencemen who's not afraid to stick up for his teammates.
Kevin Smith, since his arrival has shown the leadership, style of play and has been an on ice part of the coaching staff (Vic Gervais quote).
Again, it's tough to see the team on a losing streak, but, it's fun and rewarding to see the Grizzlies line up put in the effort and determination, which has been on display in the last couple of weeks.
Attendence: 1115 Shots on Goal: Victoria 28 and Merritt 30
Powerplays :Victoria 0 for 4 and Merritt 1 for 3
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| Stefan Gonzales |
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