The Port Alberni Bombers, playing their first Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League (VIJHL) game since the Christmas break, struggled in the early-going, and suffered a 9-3 loss at the hands of the high-flying Kerry Park Islanders on Saturday night in Mill Bay.
Falling behind 4-2 before the first period reached its mid-point, the Bombers had perhaps their worst period of the season, and found themselves trailing 7-2 after 20 minutes.
From there the Bombers held their own, but the bridge was too far on this night.
The Bombers outshot the Islanders 36-32, and both teams had one power play goal, but it was the Islanders, who have become an offensive juggernaut as the season wears on, who made the most of their chances.
Leim Smith, with two goals, and Zach Spafford with a single tally, were the Bombers goal scorers.
The Bombers return to the ice next Saturday evening when they host Saanich Predators at the Alberni Valley Multiplex in a 7:00 pm start. They go back on the road the following day when they travel to Parksville for a Sunday afternoon tilt with Oceanside Generals.
Bombers Lose in first Start After Break
