The Victoria Grizzlies continue to get revenge on the defending B.C. Hockey League champions.
For the second time in a few weeks the Grizzlies knocked off the Surrey Eagles, this time 3-2 in overtime on Friday night at South Surrey Arena. It was the Eagles who eliminated the Grizzlies from last season’s playoffs in the conference semifinals.
Grizzlies leading goal scorer and NCAA Cornell-committed Chase Pirtle played overtime hero, finishing off a great feed from Reegan Hiscock at 1:12 of the extra frame.
The Grizzlies (11-5-2-0) fell behind early in the second when Cameron Caron beat Oliver Auyeung-Ashton on an Eagles’ power play. But three minutes later, Grizzlies captain Jacksenn Hungle beat Eagles netminder Maddox Osaka on a breakway to draw Victoria even.
Two minutes into the third, Grizzlies’ newcomer Seamus Latta scored his first BCHL goal after coming over from the USHL last month. But five minutes later, Caron struck again to get the home team on even terms and send the game to OT.
Auyeung-Ashton, committed to Colgate of the NCAA, was named the game’s first star as he made 40 saves to push his perfect record to 6-0. Osaka turned made 41 saves for the Eagles (9-9-1-0).
The Grizzlies brief Lower Mainland road trip continues tonight in Coquitlam when Victoria takes on the Express at the Poirier Sports and Leisure Centre. The Grizzlies’ next home game is Nov. 22 when the West Kelowna Warriors visit The Q Centre.
