After losing 2-1 on Friday night in Lake Cowichan, the Port Alberni Bombers turned the tables and defeated Comox Valley Glacier Kings by the same 2-1 score on Saturday night in Courtenay.
Kash Nicklin’s ninth goal of the season, scored at 12:18 of the third period, proved to be the winner after the teams had played to 0-0 and 1-1 stalemates after the first and second periods respectively.
For the second night in a row the Bombers came up against spectacular goaltending as Aaron Pichette held his team in the game, making a number of sensational saves as the Bombers dominated the final two periods. Not to be outdone, Bombers net minder Evan Grant, while not as busy, made a number of key stops to preserve his team’s victory. The Bombers outshot their hosts 30-20 on the evening.
Mathias Alhaj scored the lone Comox Valley goal, giving his team a short-lived 1-0 lead, only to have the Bombers Nathan Hayes score his fifth of the season, while his team was on the power play less than three minutes later. Sam Davidson had two assists for Port Alberni, while Leim Smith had a single helper.
The victory allowed the Bombers to regain first place in the VIJHL’s North Division, one point ahead of Campbell River Storm. The Bombers and Storm will meet on Wednesday night at the Alberni Valley Multiplex in a clash of the top ranked teams. Opening face-off is scheduled for 7 pm.
Bombers Prevail Over Glacier Kings
