The Port Alberni Bombers ended a ten-game losing streak with a 4-3 win over Saanich Predators in Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League (VIJHL) action on Sunday night at the Alberni Valley Multiplex.
Scoring in every period, the Bombers got goals from Malik Oliva, Ethan Unger, Mason Smith and Chase Pouchnik, and now sit seven points behind Campbell River Storm in the battle for the fourth and final playoff berth in the VIJHL North Division.
The Bombers led 3-1 going into the third period, but the Predators got back to within one goal when Linden Hoskins scored on the power play for the visitors. From there the Bombers pushed back with Pouchnik scoring the eventual winner, to restore the two-goal lead, and while the Predators scored again, also on the power play, and then pulled their goaltender with just under two minutes remaining, the Bombers withstood the Predator push at the end and limited their opponent’s chances to come away with the welcome victory.
Quinn Bouchard and Jeremy Gould had two assists each for the Bombers, while Oliva added an assist to go along with his goal.
Von Parson led the way for Saanich, scoring twice and adding an assist, while former Bomber, Kaydin Halladay had three helpers. Linden Hoskins score the other Predator goal.
The Bombers outshot their opponents 39-30, including 16 shots in the second frame. Ryan Burroughs was solid in the Bomber goal, especially in the first frame when he stopped 15 of 16 shots.
The Bombers play twice next weekend, beginning with a Friday night encounter against Westshore Wolves at the Alberni Valley Multiplex before travelling to Campbell River on Sunday and a matchup with the Storm in a contest that has playoff implications. Friday’s contest begins at 7:00 pm.
Another Close Affair – A Win Over Predators
