The Victoria Grizzlies were unable to secure a playoff berth in the British Columbia Junior Hockey League after coming up with only one win in their weekend games.
The Grizzlies needed to win their final two games to move on to post season play.
A 6-2 home ice loss on Friday to the Powell River Kings proved costly, despite bouncing back to beat the Chilliwack Chiefs 8-5 on Sunday.
In Friday’s game Kamer Austin led the way with two goals and an assist for Powell River, while Gavin Rauser, Jonny Evans, Kyle Betts and Nick Halagian added a goal each.
Tyler Welsh and Alex Peck scored for the Grizzlies, with Nick Guiney adding two assists.
On Sunday, Cole Pickup had a huge game against the Chiefs with four goals and an assist. Chuck Bennis, Jared Virtanen, Brayden Gelsinger and Peck rounded out the goal scoring for the Grizzlies.
At the end of regular season play, the Nanaimo Clippers led the Island Division with 38 wins, 18 losses, one overtime loss and one tie.
Powell River finished second with 71 points, while Cowichan Valley had 60 points for third place and the Alberni Valley Bulldogs finished fourth with 54 points.
The Grizzlies finished fifth, just missing a spot in playoff action, with 24 wins, 30 losses, four overtime losses and four ties.
The Penticton Vees from the Interior Division led the league with an impressive record of 50 wins, seven losses and one tie.
Powell River will move on to the first round of the Island Division playoffs in a best of seven series against the Cowichan Capitals, starting on March 4.
Powell River takes on the Alberni Valley Bulldogs in the other Island Division matchup.
reporter@goldstreamgazette.com