The Port Alberni Bombers continued their winning ways with a 4-3 win over Comox Valley Glacier Kings on Friday night at the Comox Valley Sports Centre.
The win gives the Bombers a 2-0 series lead in their best-of-seven Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League North Division semifinal series with Comox Valley.
The teams were tied 1-1 after twenty minutes as Dylan Lamberto gave the hosts a lead just before the halfway mark of the opening period, but Kenneth Boychuk scored with just over a minute remaining in the frame to draw the Bombers even at the break.
The second period saw a flurry of goals, five in all, as Solstice Tennant gave the Bombers a 2-1 lead just thirty-three seconds into the frame, but the Glacier Kings went ahead again when Brigham Nye and then Rolan Amin found the net. Not to be outdone, the Bombers responded with goals by Boychuk and Tennant five seconds apart to retake the lead, and send Kings starting netminder Aaron Pichette to the bench, but the damage was done and the scoring was over for the night.
Both teams had their opportunities in a scoreless third frame, each firing ten shots at their opponents, but the Bombers never relinquished their one-goal lead.
Leim Smith had three assists for the Bombers, while Sean Richards added two helpers. Grayson Salmon and Sam Davidson added one assist each.
Both teams were 0-for-1 on the power play with the Glacier Kings scoring a shorthanded marker, Amin doing the damage. The Bombers outshot the Glacier Kings 43-38 as Evan Grant got the win in the Bombers net.
The first goal by Comox Valley ended another long period of shutout hockey as the Bombers went 208 minute and 37 seconds, and three complete-game shutouts, without allowing a goal – the streak extending back into the regular season.
In other VIJHL action on Friday night, Campbell River Storm defeated Lake Cowichan Kraken 3-1 in Campbell River to take a 3-0 lead in their series, while Peninsula Panthers won 2-1 in overtime over Westshore Wolves, and now lead their South Division series two games to one. In the other South Division series, Victoria Cougars lead Kerry Park Islanders two games to none.
The Bombers and Glacier Kings resume hostilities on Sunday when they meet at the Alberni Valley Multiplex for Game 3 of their series. Opening face-off is scheduled for 6:00 pm. Fans should note, the game begins one hour earlier than usual on Sunday.
Bombers Win on Road, Take 2-0 Series Lead
