Grizz Roar Blog: Day 2 - Grizzlies 5 - 4 Bulldogs (OT)- Showcase

So 3 points out of 4 to start the Bill Bestwick era is a pretty darn good as the Grizzlies wrapped up the showcase in the secondary rink, with a 5-4 OT win against the Bulldogs. The secondary rink is a little Spartan and unless you’re standing at the back of the bleachers, it’s not a great view. I also lost my spot to a scout from Clarkson, he was a clear foot taller than me so I wasn’t going to argue.

The new look Grizzlies really had to work for the win, as they sported their brand new snappy black uniforms(smartest Grizzlies jersey I’ve seen). With Michael Stiliadis making his debut in goal, both teams started with a high temp approach to the game.

First Period: The Bulldogs after going down to a loss in their first showcase game, where really in the mood and on the PP after a nice passing combination between Kraft and Lough, they set up Hepso to put the Dogs up 1-0 after 2 mins. The Grizzlies would have a goal chalked off a few minutes later, as a nice combination goal between the triplets would be disallowed for the net being off(should not have been called off). Special teams would play a factor in the Grizzlies equalizer, as Garret Skrbich would register his first Grizzlies goal with an assist from the hardworking DJ Jones at the midway point of the first. A back and forth first period and credit to the Powell, McLellan and Polischuk on the forth line for banging and crashing and forcing the Dogs into a few turn overs in the neutral zone. The first period would finish 1-1.

2nd period: Lots of energy again with neither team given an inch, but, the Bulldogs go ahead going through that man Hepso again. The Grizzlies would tie it up from the hard working McLellan and Powell and some determination on Powell’s part, would drive him to the net and after a little confusion on who his shot came off, the goal was credited to McLellan. 2-2 would be the scoring at the end of the 2^nd.

3^rd Period: The Dogs Nathan Craft, who worked his socks of all game, would put the Dogs ahead 3-2 with a nice shot, although the icing call against the Grizzlies just prior to the Dogs goal was a heads scratcher.

Chase Kaiser, who one of the Grizzlies best players throughout preseason and in yesterday’s Express game; would score from a powerful well timed shot after some nice work from Dante Hahn to tie it up again 3-3. However, than Hepson would get AVB, back in the lead for the forth time as he would shoot through a pack of players to beat Stillidias. Credit to the Grizzlies as they kept coming at the Dogs and Chase Kaiser would put a nice shot across the face of the Dogs goal for Myles Fitzgerald to bury, sending the Grizzlies faithful in ecstasy with just over a minute to go in the third tying the game at 4-4. For the second game in a row it’s off to OT.

OT : The Grizzlies weren’t to be denied this time, as both team looked a little tired would battle away but, it would be the Fitzgerald’s again 2 mins in as Gerry would set up Myles for the Grizzlies first win of the Bestwick era.

Game thoughts Victoria: Good character win as the Grizzlies came from behind 4 times to beat an Alberni Valley team who can consider themselves a bit unlucky in this one.

The Fitzgerald’s, are really starting to find there grove and looked like creating something each time they were on the ice. The triplets combined for 4 points tonight and Leo can count himself unlucky for having a well worked goal chalked off in the first.

Chase Kaiser, battled hard all game and has gone from being a good roster player to a real impact player between the end of last season and the start of this one. Chase, chipped in with 2 points tonight.

Dante Hahn is settling into the system nicely and his skill and determination set up Chase Kaiser for Grizzlies third.

Garret Skrbich works hard in the corners and really battles for possession, would should prove to be a big asset this season

On defence, 16 year old Mitch Meek who has made the jump up from Major Midget didn’t look intimidated out there and put in some good shifts. Justin Coachman, can really throw his weight around and put out some nice hits. Jones and Thompson looked really good going forward and where steady in their own end.

Lots of good performances tonight as I’ve just mentioned a few and to come back from being behind 4 times, was a great effort. Nice to see the Bill Bestwick shake hands with each one his players after the victory going into the dressing room.

On a side not, credit to the players as they have to go through a gauntlet of scouts after the game clambering for their attention. Fun to watch!!!!!!