The matchups for both Coastal Conference semifinals are now known as the Victoria Grizzlies moved past the Nanaimo Clippers with 4-1 series victory in the opening round.
Victoria defeated the Clippers 3-2 in Game 3, taking yet another 2-0 first period lead thanks to a pair of goals from affiliated player Dustin Johnson.
Nanaimo got the right start to the second period with a goal from Sam Labrecque just 19 seconds in but David Morley capitalized on a penalty shot opportunity 59 seconds later to make it 3-1 which is how it stayed going into the third.
Kyle Kramer made it a one goal game at 8:36 of the third but it was as close as the Clips would get on the night. Nanaimo outshot Victoria 25-17. Johnson took 1st Star.
Victoria will play the Powell River Kings in Round 2 starting Tuesday in Powell River.
In Westside, the Warriors claimed a 3-2 series edge with a convincing 5-1 win but they led just 1-0 after one on a goal by Max French. Cullen Bradshaw, just back from a two-game timeout for a blow to the head in Saturday's game, equalized early in the second but the tie would be short-lived. Alex Grieve scored what would prove to be the winning goal just two minutes after Bradshaw's marker.
Tuesday's OT hero Shawn Hochhausen scored again Thursday and was followed by Tyler Krause and Brayden Sherbinin. The third period was scoreless.
The teams will play Friday in Trail. The series winner will advance to play the Vernon Vipers.
