The Port Alberni Bombers saw their Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League (VIJHL) record fall to an even .500 after losing 4-1 to Nanaimo Buccaneers on Sunday afternoon in the Hub City.
After a scoreless first period, the Bombers opened the scoring when Bogdan Roguskin scored his second of the season at 3:45 of the second period, but that would prove to be the only time the Bombers led the contest. Nanaimo’s Lukas Needham tied the contest three minutes later, and then two goals late in the frame, off the sticks of Kody Pham and then Madden Cruickshank, gave the Buccaneers a lead they would not relinquish.
Pham added his second of the night late in the third frame to erase any doubt as to the outcome and the hosts skated away with a three-goal win in front of 315 fans at the Nanaimo Ice Centre. Ivan Ponomarev and Joel Dorn assisted on Roguskin’s goal. Pham led all scorers, adding an assist to his brace of goals.
The Buccaneers outshot the Bombers 31-27 including a 24-13 advantage over the final two frames. The Bombers were 0-for-2 on the power play, while Nanaimo was 1-for-4 with the extra skater.
After three games on the road to start the season, and a one win, one loss, one OT loss record to show for it, the Bombers finally get to play in front of their fans on Friday when they host Oceanside Generals at the Alberni Valley Multiplex. Including that contest, the Bombers will be at home for three of their next four games to close out the month of September. Friday’s matchup begins at 7:00 pm.
Buccaneers defeat Bombers in Sunday Tilt
