The surging Cowichan Valley Capitals had taken control of second spot on the Island, but the early division lead gained by the Victoria Grizzlies hadn't really been threatened, or at least until Saturday night.
But after a 3-2 home ice win, the Capitals snuck to within five points of the Grizzlies after Kevin Walrod broke a 2-2 third period goal for a narrow win. Trevor Hertz and Myles MacRae had tallied for the Grizzlies, while Shayne Taker and Mickey Spencer notched earlier goals for the Caps. Netminder Chris Rawlings continued his strong play in net for Cowichan with a 35-save effort.
Meanwhile, in other Coastal Conference action:
- The Powell River Kings received a goal and an assist from Ben Schmidt and topped the Burnaby Express 4-2 on home ice. Neil Chambers, Darcy Oakes and Ryan Green also tallied for the Kings, while Tim Hollway and John Digness contributed goals for the visitors.
- The Langley Chiefs bounced back from a defeat to Surrey on Friday by topping the Eagles 8-3 on the strength of a five-point game from Milos Gordic. Mac Roy and Jessie Tresierra were also strong offensive contributors for the Chiefs with four points a piece.
- A Steve Mason hat trick and an insurance marker from Colin Dueck staked Nanaimo to a 5-2 win in Alberni Valley. Mark Morikawa, Mitch Macmillan and Sam Mitchell replied for the Bulldogs, who put 27 shots on Clippers netminder Evan Smith.
In Penticton, the Vees received a four-point effort from Denver Manderson and 28 saves from Jordan White in a 5-1 victory over Vernon. Manderson scored once and added three assists for the Vees, while Brodie Reid and Zack Joespher each tallied two points. Sahir Gill was the lone Viper to beat White.
In other Interior Conference action:
- Conor Morrison and Mark Zengerle each scored once and added three assists as Salmon Arm topped Trail by a 5-2 score. Ryan Bulach and Paul Mailey tallied for the Smoke Eaters, who put 25 shots on Silverbacks netminder Bryan Gillis.
- Netminders Alex Wright and Kevin Jebson combined to stop 69 shots as the Westside Warriors and Prince George Spruce Kings skated t a 1-1 draw. Grayson Downing scored the lone Warriors tally while Joe Becker replied for the Spruce Kings.
There are four games on tap around the BCHL on Sunday, including:
- Surrey at Victoria, 1:00 PM
- Burnaby at Cowichan Valley, 2:00 PM
- Westside at Prince George, 3:00 PM
- Alberni Valley at Nanaimo, 3:00 PM
Catch all the action with BCHL Web TV or in streaming audio in the Fanzone.
