GAME DAY: VICTORIA AT TRAIL, 7: 30 P.M.
The Victoria Grizzlies head out on a three-game road trip packing a four-game win streak in their suitcases.
Extending that to seven victories will be a tough test as the B.C. Hockey League's Island Division leaders make stops in Trail tonight at 7: 30, followed by visits to Penticton and Merritt.
"Three tough situations ahead of us," said Grizzlies associate coach and assistant general manager Craig Didmon. "Trail is a tough rink to play in because their barn is small. They're strong at home and have struggled on the road.
"Penticton will obviously be a marquee matchup on Saturday night (5 p.m. start). They're in first place in the league and we're battling for that. And Merritt on Sunday (2 p.m.), and they're second in their conference. It'll be a test for us to put together nine good periods."
For the last stop, Victoria will be without defenceman Nolan DeJong and forward Dante Hahn as they head out to try and earn a spot at the Canada West selection camp in Calgary for the upcoming World Junior A Challenge.
"That's where we'll be using our depth, for Day 3," said Didmon. "It's not an easy situation at all, but adversity is good. That's what builds these guys."
The Grizzlies remain the Island Division leaders with a healthy 10-4-0-1 record, despite just a plus-3 rating in goal differential, which tells you the team's looking after its own end. In 15 games, Victoria has scored just 40 times for a 2.67 average, fifth worst in the league.
However, the Grizzlies have allowed just 37 against for a 2.47 average, fifth best in the 16-team loop.
In 11 one-goal outings the Grizzlies have won eight, including three in overtime.
They've also done it without a top-10 scorer in the league.
The Fitzgerald triplets lead the way offensively for Victoria - Myles is tied for 17th place with 14 points in 14 games; Leo tied for 23rd with 13 points in 15 outings; and Gerry tied for 30th with 12 points in 15 games.
Next best is DeJong, who has enjoyed an excellent season to date, with two goals and nine assists from the back end, along with fellow defenceman D.J. Jones who has a goal and nine helpers.
Goaltender Brady Rouleau is fourth in the BCHL among goalies who have suited up in five or more games with a 5-1 record, solid 2.08 goals-against average and .925 save percentage. Mike Stil-iadis is 5-4 with a 2.70 GAA and .912 save percentage.
In eight away games, the Grizzlies are 5-3-0-0, looking to build on that mark with these three games in three days.
