Above Photo: Grizzlies forward Malcolm Green in action on Friday night sporting the Grizzlies “Salsa” jerseys (Photo: Kyle Robinson)
Victoria, BC ~ The Victoria Grizzlies proved to much to handle for the Chilliwack Chiefs on Friday night from the Q Centre on an evening where they celebrated 30 years in the BCHL by wearing throwback “salsa” jerseys.
The first period was one of the most entertaining 20 minutes of hockey we have seen in a long while and it involved the Grizzlies taking the lead on Seamus Latta’s third of the year, 14 penalties and two reviews. The Grizzlies lead 1-0 after the first.
In the second, Victoria separated themselves by outscoring Chilliwack 3-1 in the middle frame. First it was Tobias Pitka one timing a centering feed from Chase Pirtle home for his seventh of the season in the first minute and change. Then it was Alex Hebblethwaite potting his 11th on a rebound in close quarters to the goal.
Chilliwack would have their first goal of the game in controversial fashion as Salsa netminder Oliver Auyeung-Ashton looked like he was clearly interfered with in the Salsa crease during a Chiefs rush that resulted in an empty net goal for Tucker Shedd. Originally it was called no goal but upon further review (which showed interference) the goal was allowed to stand.
Victoria would laugh in the face of the Chiefs by finding the back of the net in the dying seconds of the period after a beautiful solo effort from Chase Pirtle saw him go around behind the goal and stuff one in on a wrap around for his 14th.
In the third period it was again an early goal for the Salsa to this time go up 5-1. Tom Molson played the puck in the Chilliwack zone before Seamus Latta moved it down the boards for Finn Kallay. Kallay’s sharp angle bid found it’s way through the legs of Kevin Jones making his BCHL debut in relief of Sebastian Gatto to begin the third.
Dakota MacIntosh would score a consolation goal for the Chiefs in the dying seconds of the game to close the game out 5-2.
Oliver Auyeung Ashton was named first star of the game as he was again splendid making 40 saves on 42 shots. He improves his season record to 8-0-0.
The Salsa improved their monthly record to 7-1-1 and their overall season line to 14-5-3. They currently sit third in the Coastal Conference just one point back of Chilliwack and two points behind the Alberni Valley Bulldogs. The Grizzlies however have a game in hand of the Bulldogs.
The Salsa are back in action tomorrow against the Cowichan Valley Capitals on the road at the Cowichan Valley Community Centre with puck drop going at 7:00 PM PT.
