BLAZERS BACK ATOP B.C. DIVISION WITH WIN
It was a wild one in Victoria, but the Blazers prevailed with a 6-5 win in overtime, to win both games in Victoria this week. The Blazers looked good early as Colin Smith capitalized on a Royals turnover only 1:37 into the period. The Blazers capitalized on another turnover and Matt Needham scored his fifth goal of the year to make it 2-0 within the first five minutes of the game. Tyler Hansen thought he made it 3-0, but the goal was disallowed because of interference. The Royals then got on the board on the power play as Hayden Rintoul blasted a shot past goaltender Cole Cheveldave. The Blazers made it 3-1 when Landon Cross scored his first WHL goal. The Blazers were solid in the first period holding a 13-5 advantage on the shot clock.
The second period was a different story for the Blazers. The Royals scored three straight goals and took a 4-3 lead to suprise the Blazers. Shortly after the Royals took the lead, Chase Souto scored a highlight reel goal to tie the game at 4-4 heading into the third period. The Royals were much better in the period with a 12-5 advantage on the shot clock.
The Blazers had a good start to the third period as Tim Bozon buried his 10th goal of the season and the Blazers led 5-4. The lead didn’t last long as the Royals Zane Jones got a favourable bounce and scored to tie the game at 5-5. Both teams had chances, but the game needed overtime.
In overtime, Dylan Willick drove to the net and was hauled down which gave the Blazers a power play. JC Lipon set up Chase Schaber and the Blazers rallied for a 6-5 win. Cole Cheveldave earned the win making 25 saves, while Keith Hamilton stopped 24 shots. The Blazers were 1-for-3 on the power play and 4-for-5 on the penalty kill.
The Blazers return home to host the Prince George Cougars on Friday night and the Victoria Royals on Saturday night. Friday is the Blazers annual Teddy Bear / Toque Toss!
