The Nanaimo Buccaneers secured a thrilling 4-3 victory over the Victoria Cougars in a closely contested Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League matchup at the Nanaimo Ice Centre. The Buccaneers, who entered the game on a three-game winning streak, faced stiff competition from the Cougars, who came into the Thursday night game with a 2-1-1-0 record.
The Cougars wasted no time getting on the board, scoring just 32 seconds into the game with Jacob Bernardo’s goal. However, the Buccaneers quickly settled down and took control of the game, with Jaxin Karst tying the score at 1-1, with a brilliant delayed shot through a screen at 11:38 of the first period.
The Cougars regained the lead near the end of the first period with Simon Semancik’s goal at 11:52, assisted by Grady Slugget and Joseph Melichar. In the second period, the game started off with both teams feeling each other out, but the Buccaneers eventually evened the score at 2-2 with Gavin Munro’s goal at 3:47, assisted by Aydn Yuill and Bodie Coburn .
The Buccaneers took the lead with Madden Cruickshank’s goal at 8:45, assisted by Lucas Dionne and Jaxin Karst. Casey Rutland scored the final goal for the Buccaneers at 4:38 of the third period, assisted by Davis Young and Dreyton Hayward. It was the game winner.
The Buccaneers’ goalie, Adam Ranger, made several key saves to preserve the win.
“We’re proud of our 2nd period – it was gutsy, Bucs’ hockey,” said Bucs Coach Tyler Gow.
Bucs Coach Brett Bestwick added, “Character and hard work is our identity coming home from two road games…. Need a little stronger thirds, but real happy for the boys.”
Upcoming Games:
September 25: vs Peninsula at Nanaimo Ice Centre, 7:15 pm PDT
September 27: vs Comox Valley at Comox Valley Sports Centre, 6:30 pm PDT
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Merchandise
Christmas and the holiday season are just around the corner. Keep an eye out for beautiful Buccaneers swag.
