Victoria Grizzlies 2 - 1 Chilliwack Chiefs @ Bear Mountain Arena, Jan 12, 2013

If these teams eventually face each other in the playoffs, look out, as it’s gonna get darn right ugly. In what was an intense, physical match up and certainly reminiscent of old school hockey, as the Grizzlies and Chiefs slugged it out for three periods of hockey. The Grizzlies had the better of the possession and stood to to toe against a physical, well rounded Harvey Smyl side, who battled the Grizzlies all game long.

In what was a fast paced high octane first period, both teams had their chances and goalies Gillam (Chiefs) and our own Brady Rouleau would make some timely saves. Neither side could break the deadlock, but, you could feel the energy and intensity levels between the two teams.

Into the second period, things would get a little chippy and it would be a powerplay goal from Leo Fitzgerald, that would give the Grizzlies the lead as they finally managed to solve Mitch Gillam. The Chiefs defence faced a torrid time against the Triplets, who where relentless going forward tonight. Coupled with the size and strength of the likes of Lawson, Bruce, Nicholishen and David Muzarek; the Chiefs looked like they were starting to chase the game. Kiefer McNaughton and Keyler Bruce would drop the gloves in a spirited affair on the 12 minute mark. Bruce, who was out of his height and weight class, put in a good tilt against McNaughton who is built like a tank. On this occasion, Bruce lost the bout, but, his energy and display charged the home fans and his team mates. As far as the play went, the Grizzlies didn’t have it all the own way. The Chiefs who have one of most talented/experienced rosters in the league with play makers like Espisito, Plevy, Zielonka and Trevor Hills, gave the Grizzlies cause for concern on a number of occasions.

Into the third period, which was an intense affair, would boil over at the midway point as Cooper Rush, despite towering over Zach Urban, would feel the wrath of the Urbanator (sorry Zach) as Urban would take down his larger foe. Much to the delight of the Grizzlies faithful.Pearce Eviston, making his home debut for a second time, would give the Grizzlies some breathing room with his first Grizzlies goal of the season, for a 2-0 lead nine minutes into the second. However, the Chiefs determination would be rewarded as they would make it a grand stand finish with a goal from Austin Plevy three minutes from the buzzer.

The Grizzlies would hold on for the win, but, not until all hell broke loose just before and after the buzzer. A line brawl broke out as the pot exploded, multiple fights, misconducts, altercations involving both benches (which could have serious consequences) erupted. Suspensions will be rife and it took a long time tonight to get all of it sorted out from the officials stand point.

What a night, what an atmosphere, great crowd and the fallout from this one will be very interesting.

This result means the Grizzlies still have the best record in the league and sit atop of the BCHL standings. Victoria's winning streak is at a repsectable 4 wins in a row.

 

Grizz Roar stand outs:

 

Grizzlies –

Triplets - Yes the triplets again, who skated hard in an excellent 60 minute effort. The Triplets where great at both ends of the ice and really harassed the C’wack defence. Chilliwack, will be glad to see the back of Fitzgerald’s.

Brady Rouleau – Had his hands full with one of the best attacking teams in the league this season and stood up well.

Myles Powell – Was excellent tonight and his efforts on the PK and PP where outstanding.

Keyler Bruce - Does the little things well and is a player who gives it all for his teammates.

 Chiefs –

Trevor Hills – Greta effort and was a thorn in the Grizzlies side all night.

Luke Espisito – One of the league’s top scorer and a player who has excellent hockey sense. Fast and skillful, showed why he is one of the premier snipers in the league.

Mitch Gillam – In a BCHL season that has a great crop of goalies, Gillam maybe the best of the all. He kept them in the game tonight

 

From the BCHL website, here is a look at the third period penalties:

PERIOD 3

Victoria Grizzlies at 0:49 - Pearce Eviston for Hooking (2 Min.)

Chilliwack Chiefs at 0:49 - Jaret Babych for Roughing (2 Min.)

Victoria Grizzlies at 2:38 - Gerry Fitzgerald for Slashing (2 Min.)

Victoria Grizzlies at 7:32 - David Mazurek for Hooking (2 Min.)

Chilliwack Chiefs at 7:32 - Austin Plevy for Unsportsmanlike conduct (2 Min.)

Chilliwack Chiefs at 10:41 - Tanner Cochrane for Elbowing (2 Min.)

Victoria Grizzlies at 14:45 - Turner Lawson for Tripping (2 Min.)

Victoria Grizzlies at 15:20 - Zach Urban for Fighting (5 Min.)

Chilliwack Chiefs at 15:20 - Cooper Rush for Fighting (5 Min.)

Victoria Grizzlies at 15:20 - Zach Urban for Game Misconduct

Chilliwack Chiefs at 15:20 - Cooper Rush for Game Misconduct

Victoria Grizzlies at 19:49 - Jaden Schmeisser for Unsportsmanlike conduct (2 Min.)

Victoria Grizzlies at 19:49 - David Mazurek for Unsportsmanlike conduct (2 Min.)

Chilliwack Chiefs at 19:49 - Luke Esposito for Unsportsmanlike conduct (2 Min.)

Chilliwack Chiefs at 19:49 - David Thompson for Slashing (2 Min.)

Victoria Grizzlies at 19:49 - Team Penalty for Game Misconduct

Victoria Grizzlies at 20:00 - Kade Pilton for Fighting (5 Min.)

Chilliwack Chiefs at 20:00 - Trevor Hills for Fighting (5 Min.)

Chilliwack Chiefs at 20:00 - Shay Laurent for Fighting (5 Min.)

Victoria Grizzlies at 20:00 - Pearce Eviston for Roughing (2 Min.)

Chilliwack Chiefs at 20:00 - Trevor Hills for Cross-checking (2 Min.)

Victoria Grizzlies at 20:00 - Turner Lawson for Leaving the bench

Victoria Grizzlies at 20:00 - Turner Lawson for Game Misconduct

Victoria Grizzlies at 20:00 - Pearce Eviston for Game Misconduct

Victoria Grizzlies at 20:00 - Team Penalty for Game Misconduct

Victoria Grizzlies at 20:00 - Kade Pilton for Game Misconduct

Chilliwack Chiefs at 20:00 - Shay Laurent for Game Misconduct

Chilliwack Chiefs at 20:00 - Team Penalty for Game Misconduct

Chilliwack Chiefs at 20:00 - Trevor Hills for Game Misconduct