The Nanaimo Buccaneers thrilled a crowd of 330 at the NIC on Teddy Bear Toss Night, firing a season-high 68 shots on goal to earn a 4–2 victory over the Port Alberni Bombers.
Nanaimo wasted no time getting the celebration started. At the 2:40 mark of the first period, Porter Williamson opened the scoring with an unassisted tally, sending a flurry of stuffed toys onto the ice. When play resumed, newcomer Boston Cripps struck just 24 seconds later, burying his first goal in a Bucs uniform and fifth of the season to give Nanaimo an early 2–0 lead.
Port Alberni answered back with two goals of their own before the end of the opening frame, and the teams headed to the dressing room tied 2–2 after an action-packed first period.
The Buccaneers took control in the second, relentlessly peppering the Bombers’ netminder. Their pressure paid off when Nate Barclay netted his ninth of the season, which stood as the eventual game-winner.
Former Bomber Zach Spafford sealed the result midway through the third period with his seventh goal of the campaign, putting the game out of reach.
Between the pipes, Aaron Pichette was solid once again, stopping 34 shots to earn the win and Third Star honours. Porter Williamson was named the game’s First Star for his opening-goal heroics.
The Buccaneers are back in action Sunday, December 14th, when they travel to Port Alberni to face the Bombers once again.
