The Port Alberni Bombers hit the Christmas break with plenty to celebrate as they return to their family and friends. The “Bomb Squad” as they’re affectionately referred to, are coming off back-to-back shutouts, the latter coming against the defending VIJHL Champion Peninsula Panthers.
Felix Plendl has been solid as a rock for the Bombers in his rookie season, but in the past two games he’s taken things to another level as he’s stopped 61 straight opposition shots. In 14 contests, Plendl has a very respectable 2.84 goals against average and a sparkling .920 save %.
Plendl and partner Lukas Toth have combined to form a formidable duo in goal for the Bombers this season. While Toth’s goals against average is slightly higher at 3.04, his save percentage is .923. Toth and Plendl rank 3rd and 5th respectively in the VIJHL in save percentage. What makes those numbers even more impressive is the fact that the Bombers are 7 games under .500 and have a negative goal differential. Safe to say, Toth and Plendl are doing what they can to keep the Bombers in games.
Kitimat native Chase Pacheco has bust onto the scene with a team leading 17 goals on the season. Pacheco’s efforts have even helped him make his BCHL debut with the Alberni Valley Bulldogs this month. His 17 goals have Pacheco tied for 10th in goals in the entire VIJHL.
Port Alberni locals Carson Steel, Grayson Erickson & Aidan See have all bee solid contributors to the resurgence of late as well and sit 2,3,4 respectively in Bombers scoring behind Pacheco.
While the Bombers currently find themselves on the outside looking in on the VIJHL playoff picture, it’s safe to say that after Christmas, nobody is going to take the Bombers lightly. The Bombers currently trail Lake Cowichan by a single point in the standings, and there is plenty of time to go.
The Bombers next home game is set for January 4th when they take on the Comox Valley Glacier Kings at 7:00 pm. Adult tickets are just $10 and all local youth 18 & under are no charge when accompanied by and Adult thanks to the San Group!
