With just one win in 11 outings and mired in a six-game losing streak, the Victoria Grizzlies are looking to turn things around with Powell River visiting The Q Centre in Colwood on Friday (Oct. 16).
The Grizzlies, who face off against the Kings at 7 p.m. and host the Cowichan Valley Capitals on Sunday at 2 p.m., are coming off a weekend stretch that saw inspired play, but not much in the way of finish, as they went 0-3 in a pair of home games and one on the road.
The latest was a 2-1 double overtime loss at home last Saturday to the Surrey Eagles. The locals made a tight game closer when P.J. Conlon scored early in the third to make it 1-1. But Surrey’s Darius Davidson sent the fans home disappointed, scoring 1:05 into the second extra session.
Grizzlies goaltender Michael Galajda was a bright spot in the loss, stopping 26 of 28 shots faced in regulation and overtime. He was the game’s first star.
The night before in Duncan, a Grizzlies comeback from a 3-0 deficit fell short of sending the game to OT, as the Caps won 3-2. Tyler Welsh scored his first two goals of the season in the second and third periods for Victoria, who outshot the Caps 30-28.
The three-game stretch began at home with a 4-2 loss to Alberni Valley, a contest that was 3-2 Bulldogs midway through the third. The visitors scored an empty net goal to seal the win. Corey Iapalucci and J.D. Falconer scored for the Grizzlies, while Josh Adkins and Quinn Syrydiuk had two each for the Bulldogs.
Bear claws … Brayden Gelsinger continues to lead the team in scoring with one goal and nine assists, while P.J. Conlon and Cole Pickup are next with three goals and five helpers each. While the team is struggling to score, defensively their 3.36 goals allowed per game is middle of the pack.
editor@goldstreamgazette.com
Game night - BCHL hockey:
• Victoria Grizzlies vs. Powell River Kings, 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16, The Q Centre.
• Grizzlies vs. Cowichan Valley Capitals, 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 18, The Q Centre.
Tickets are available online at victoriagrizzlies.com or at the door.