The Victoria Grizzlies performed a one-of-a-kind feat on Friday night: They cruised to a comfortable win. The Grizzlies 5-1 victory in Alberni Valley stood alone on an evening where none of the five other BCHL games was settled by more than a two goal margin.
Victoria was led offensively by Brian Nugent's two second period goals, while Jeff Forsythe and Mike Hammond each contributed a pair of points.
In other Island Division action, Zack Currie broke a 3-3 double overtime deadlock to sew up a road win for the Cowichan Valley Capitals. The goal brought the Caps all the way back from a 3-0 first period deficit after newcomers Brett Corcoran and Chris Zaires provided a trio of goals in the final 40 minutes.
On the Mainland, Surrey and Langley each secured wins on home ice. The Eagles handed Powell River their first loss of the new season, exploding for four second period goals in a 5-3 win. In Langley, Derek Grant notched the game winner and netminder Andrew Walsh stopped 34 shots in a 3-2 victory over the Burnaby Express.
In the Interior Conference, the Vernon Vipers and Trail Smoke Eaters kept their perfect records alive with wins on the road. The Smokies survived a flurry of late third period scoring to escape with a 4-3 win in Merritt on the strength of a 48-save performance by netminder Marco Raimondo. Meanwhile, Vernon received offensive contributions from newcomers Cory Kane, Ryan Santana and Mike Collins in their 4-2 win over the Warriors in Westside.
Weekend action continues in the BCHL on Saturday with another six-pack of games. On the Island, Nanaimo will have a chance for payback against the Capitals in Cowichan Valley. Meanwhile, the Victoria Grizzlies will test their unbeaten record in Langley, while Burnaby and Powell River will each attempt to bounce back from tonight's losses.
In Interior Conference play, Prince George is at Vernon, Salmon Arm visits Quesnel and Trail hosts Westside.
Catch all the action in the BCHL Fanzone or on BCHL Pay-Per-View Video.
