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Grizz split on weekend, set to host RBC champ Vees

Two Victoria-bred players, Wade Murphy and goalie Chad Katunar, lead the Penticton Vees into Bear Mountain Arena on Friday

Spectrum Community school graduate Wade Murphy and the RBC Cup national champion Penticton Vees visit the Victoria Grizzlies, Friday (Oct. 12) at Bear Mountain Arena.

The Grizzlies (6-4) won 3-1 over the Salmon Arm Silverbacks (3-5) at home on Friday but lost 6-2 to the Powell River Kings in Powell River on Saturday.

Defenceman Nolan DeJong and forward Leo Fitzgerald each scored in the loss to the Kings. Fitzgerald was one of three Grizzlies who scored in the first period on Friday to spot the home team 3-0 lead over the visiting Silverbacks. The lead held, with goalie Brady Rouleau stopping 16 of 17 shots for the win.

This week marks a giant test for the Grizz, as the Vees return for the first time since last year. Murphy, who turns 19 on Oct. 22, was traded from the Grizzlies to the Vees last year and is in the top-10 in scoring in the BCHL. He’s committed to the North Dakota Fighting Sioux for 2013 and attended NHL prospect camp for the Calgary Flames this summer.

Vees goalie Chad Katunar is also from Victoria, and started the season with seven straight wins. The Grizzlies host the Vees, 7:15 p.m Friday night and Alberni Valley Bulldogs, 1:30 p.m. Sunday at Bear Mountain Arena.