Port Alberni, one half of the new pair of expansion teams, came into the Arch for the first time. This wasn’t the first contest between these two teams though. The Cougars downed the Bombers 4-3 back on September 28th in Port Alberni.
This contest started out all Cougars. It was one of the most dominate periods of hockey we have seen in a long time… Well, not quite a full period. The first 19 and a half minutes of the 1st period it was probably the most dominant the Cougars have played all year. They held the entire play, both in open ice and on the boards. Port Alberni was held to just 3 shots… before the final 27 seconds of the period.
Ty Brant and Brody Johnson both grabbed their second goals on the year and Victoria looked to be well on their way to a solid win. But, we know how hockey goes. It doesn’t take much for the momentum to change. In the final 27 seconds the Bombers scored twice. MacLean and Merritt both grabbed goals just 12 seconds apart to head into the intermission tied.
The middle period was a lot more even. The Bombers took their momentum shift and turned the game into a fun contest for the fans. Shots were almost equal and both teams traded goals to head into the 3rd tied at 4. It really was one of the more entertaining games of the year.
The final frame saw the strength of the Cougars finally overpower the Bombers. With 3 goals in the 3rd the Cougars walked away with a win. But, the Bombers didn’t make it easy by any stretch. The Cougars did extend their lead in short-handed goals, and this time it wasn’t Estey scoring it. Matteo Pivetta bagged a shorty with a laser of a shot just passed the blue line.
6 Cougars had a multi-point night including Dylan Jessa with 3 assists.
Next up for the Cougars is the Islanders on the road, Sunday at 3pm.
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