The Port Alberni Bombers had their ten-game winning streak snapped on Tuesday night in Campbell River, losing 5-1 to Campbell River Storm, and now trail their best-of-seven Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League semi-final series 1-0.
The final score was not a reflection of the game. After a scoreless first period, the Storm got a goal from Jacob Kulas at 13:28 of the second frame to take a lead they would never relinquish.
The hosts took a 2-0 lead when Ethan Hill scored just after his team had killed a penalty early in the third period. The Bombers got back into the game just under four minutes later when Jack Barrett scored to bring his team to within one goal at 2-1, but then the tide turned.
The Storm replied just 19 seconds later, with Marshall Curri scoring to make the score 3-1, and from there the Bombers never recovered. Dominic Grieco and Kai Williams scored later in the frame to seal the victory for the Storm.
The Storm outshot the Bombers 36-30 on the evening with both Evan Grant (Bombers) and Kaeden Serpa (Storm) making a number of excellent saves. Neither team scored on the power play, the Bombers going 0-for-3 and the Storm 0-for-1 with the man advantage. Kash Nicklin and Zak Green assisted on Barrett’s goal.
The series now shifts to Port Alberni for Game 2 on Thursday night at the Alberni Valley Multiplex. Opening face-off is scheduled for 7:00 pm. The teams return to Campbell River the next night (Friday), with Game 4 scheduled for the Alberni Valley Multiplex on Sunday at 6:00 pm.
Bombers Drop Opener, Return Home Thursday Night
