The Grizzlies came into Sunday’s game on a two-game win streak. Coming into the game the Grizzlies are on their way to becoming a cohesive unit with a new look roster after acquiring DiPaolo and Kitchen from the Penticton Vees. Currently the team sits eight points back of the Alberni Bulldogs for fourth in the Island division. The Grizzlies are looking to extend their home winning streak to three straight games with a win over the Bulldogs.
In a hard fought game the Victoria Grizzlies defeated the Alberni Valley Bulldogs 4-3. Their third straight win inches them closer to catching the Bulldogs in the standings. The Grizzlies came out firing on all cylinders with captain Marty Westhaver scoring fifty one seconds into the game on a beautiful pass by Cody Monds. As the game progressed the Bulldogs tied the game on a tap in goal on the powerplay, followed by Jake Veilleux of the Grizzlies sniping his first of the season past Luke Pearson on a smooth drop pass by newly acquired Alex DiaPaolo. Halfway through the third Andrew Amousse scored his fourth of the season assisted by Isack Bandu and Chase Mcinnis. Five minutes later Diapolo tapped one in past Pearson to make it 4-2 Grizzlies. It looked all but over until the Bulldogs scored on a tap in with a minute left to make it 4-3 leaving Grizzlies fans wondering if the team could hold on for their third straight win. In the final minute the Grizzlies stifled the Bulldogs and played smothering defence that stopped the Bulldogs comeback attempt. 4-3 was the final and the Grizzlies are picking up momentum during an important time in the season.
Jake Veilleux played his best game of the season. Veilleux was all over the ice, throwing hits, making plays and scoring his first of the season. Along with Veilleux, the teams leading scorer and Providence bound Cody Monds continued to impress with two assists. Monds has been a major boost to a Grizzlies team who has been looking for a star player after Alex Newhook’s departure. Blake Wood was fantastic stopping twenty seven of thirty shots on way to a big victory. Wood has continued to impress currently sits at a 6-8 record on the season. Going forward the Grizzlies look rejuvenated and will take on the Bulldogs again next friday at the Q Centre
