On Friday
night, Trail made Victoria work for it as the Grizzlies for the duration of
this game would see another team effort extend their unbeaten run to 3 games. With
this win, the Grizzlies cemented there lead in the Island Division and continue
to Bear Mountain Arena a difficult place for BCHL teams to come in and take points.
Although, tonight wasn't a vinatge Grizzlies performance, the boys still managed to capture the two points.
Although, tonight wasn't a vinatge Grizzlies performance, the boys still managed to capture the two points.
A special guest
would drop the puck tonight and a nice gesture from the Grizzlies organization,
as former Trail Smoke Eater and hall of famer Harry Smith did the honors
tonight. Harry, was part of the senior Smokies team that won gold as the
Canadian representatives at the world championships in Geneva in 1961. Harry, would
follow that up with numerous appearances for Canada at the World Championship
in the 50’s and 60’s.
Defenseman,
Chris Albertini from Ontario would make his debut tonight.
The
Grizzlies would make their shots on goal and pressure count, as David Muzarek would
carry the puck over the blue line followed by Leo and Myles as the Trail
defence found themselves a little flat footed, as Mazurek would unleash a nice
shot to beat Stanwood. 1-1.
Shortly after
Victoria leveled things up, Chris Albertini would certainly announce his arrival
to the Grizzlies faithful and certainly to Smokies defender Braeden Jones.
Albertini, hammered Trails, Knowler with a crunching hit, which had it been a second earlier
could have been classed as a fair/clean hit, but, as Knowler had already released
the puck, a charging call was fair enough against big Chris. Jones, would take
exception to Albertini’s enthusiasm and dropped the gloves. Albertini ,would make
short work of Jones as the 6’3’’ Ontario native would land 3 or 4 good haymakers
to settle the issue and ignite the crowd .
The
Grizzlies can feel a little aggrieved at the Smokies second goal as in the
Grizzlies zone, Myles Fitzgerald(I think) was boarded and interfered with on
the play, which the refs didn’t call, resulting in a Trail player bringing the puck
out of the corner and that man Baltus scoring, to give Trail a 2-1 lead from
the set up. 2-1 Smokies at the end of the first.
Midway
through the period, after Trial had really come more into the game, a Lyndon
Stanwood error would see him give wrap the puck directly to Gerry Fitzgerald,
who would make no mistake in thundering the puck right back into the Trial net
for a 3-2 Grizzlies lead. It was a tough one for Stanwood, who had played well
so far in the game.
However, one
minute later on a Trial breakaway, the Smokies would breach the Grizzlies defence
as Berkholtz and Adduono would set up Sandler to score to really make a game of
it at 3-3.
Game Thoughts Victoria – Another team effort and
again the Fitzgerald’s providing the bulk of the Grizzlies ammunition. David Mazurek would also get in the act with a
goal and a assist from a great all around effort from him tonight. The Grizzlies weren't stellar tonight,but, sometimes you need a couple of greasy wins every now and then.
Chris
Albertini, after being in town for the last few weeks, did not disappoint on
his debut. A good positional player, passes the puck well and we all saw the
tilt tonight. Albertini certainly adds more size and toughness to this roster
and with players like Albertini, Mazurek, Lawson, Coachman and Zach Urban; no
one is going to push this team around this season. Take note Mr. Vandekamp!!!
DeJong, was
excellent again tonight and Zach Urban continues to show what he can do at both
ends of the ice. Although a little quieter tonight, Jones, Meek and Thompson have shown the consistency
to really help the cause.
The
Powerplay is coming around for the Grizzlies, but, does seems a little
lacklustre at time.
Three stars of the game – * Gerry Fitzgerald ** Nolan DeJong *** Brent Baltus(well deserved)
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