The Victoria Grizzlies discovered an effective winning strategy on Friday night, scoring a six-pack of goals in the first period and rolling to a 7-4 victory over the Cowichan Valley Capitals at the Bear Mountain Arena.
Jordan Heywood put Victoria on the board just 29 seconds into regulation, and Teal Burns packed on a pair in the opening frame to help open a four-goal cushion after 20 minutes. Jackson Garrett briefly put Cowichan Valley within three goals with a shorthanded tally early in the second period, but a late period effort from Alex Allan restored the four-goal lead.
Allan enjoyed a four-point evening for the Grizzlies, while five Victoria players added two points each in the victory.
Nick Anderson, Taylor Paziuk and Anthony Perdicaro, in his first game back with Cowichan Valley after a brief pro stint in the ECHL, rounded out the scoring for the Capitals.
Richard Virtanen continued his strong early season run in net for Victoria, stopping 28 shots in the win. Alex Peck took the loss against his old team, allowing five goals on 24 shots before making way for Laurent Brossoit midway through the third period. Brossoit allowed two goals on five shots in relief.
The Grizzlies remain at Bear Mountain on Saturday for a visit from the Salmon Arm SilverBacks, while Cowichan Valley returns home for an encounter with the Trail Smoke Eaters.
