The Port Alberni Bombers continued their winning ways with a 4-3 overtime victory over Campbell River Storm on Wednesday night at the Alberni Valley Multiplex.
The win was the Bombers fourth in a row and fifth win in seven games. Both losses in that stretch came in overtime, meaning the Bombers have picked up 12 of a possible 14 points over the seven game stretch.
As befits a battle between two teams at the top of the Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League’s (VIJHL) standings, the contest was close throughout as both teams had one-goal leads, and it was special teams, quality goaltending and timely efforts that were the order of the day.
The teams went to the first intermission tied at 1-1 when Daniel Betcher (Bombers) and Logan Vigneault (Storm) scored for their respective teams.
The Storm scored early in the second frame to take their only lead when Levente Birta score, but the Bombers responded with two power play goals off the sticks of Jack Barrett and Solstice Tennant to lead 3-2 after two frames.
Jan-Felix Faupel scored the only goal of the third period as the Storm drew even and the game went to overtime.
Kash Nicklin scored the winner for the Bombers 3:52 into extra time, but it took a heads-up play by Solstice Tennant for Nicklin to cash in. After the Bombers had controlled all of the play in overtime, in part due to a power play, the Storm finally gained control and were heading up-ice, when a breakout pass was intercepted by Tennant who had stepped into the path of the pass, then relayed the puck to Nicklin who found the net with a hard wrist shot that beat Storm net minder Kaeden Serpa for the win.
Nicklin also picked up an assist on the evening, as did Sam Davidson, while Zach Spafford added three helpers.
Evan Grant picked up the win in the Bombers goal, stopping 35 of 38 Storm shots. The Bombers outshot the Storm 46-38. After being outshot 35-25 in the first two periods, the Bombers reversed that trend, outshooting their guests 21-3 in the third period and overtime.
The Bombers next action is Saturday when they travel to Juan de Fuca Arena to take on the South Division-leading Westshore Wolves. The teams have split a pair of games this season, the Bombers defeating the Wolves 3-2 at the Multiplex, before losing 2-1 in overtime to Westshore at the Q Centre two weeks later.
The Bombers return home for a four-game home stand beginning Friday, November 15 when they face Kerry Park Islanders. The Islanders handed the Bombers their worst defeat of the season, beating the locals 9-5 in mid-October. Victoria Cougars, Lake Cowichan Kraken and Nanaimo Bucaneers round out the home stand.
Bombers Prevail in Exciting Tilt
