The Nanaimo Buccaneers, already short-manned due to injuries, found themselves playing short-handed too often.
It wasn’t a good combination, and the Bucs came out on the wrong end of the first-place matchup, losing to the Comox Valley Glacier Kings 6-2 on Thursday at the Nanaimo Ice Centre.
The home team got behind 5-0 early, compounding its own problems by getting frustrated with the officiating.
“Hockey’s a game of emotions and it’s hard to keep your emotions in check,” said Brad Knight, coach of the Buccaneers.
Beau Blanaru and Corey Renwick went on to score goals for the Buccaneers but it wasn’t enough. Nanaimo (4-6) fell to 1-4 in its home rink.
“I’m sure the fans are frustrated with the home record but eventually it will turn itself. I think we’ll get comfortable playing at home…” Knight said.
The Bucs are missing captain Travis Briggs and fellow veteran Dylan Moore to injury, setbacks that have coincided with the team's recent slump.
GAME ON … The Buccaneers play the Saanich Braves tonight (Oct. 5) on the road. Their next home game is against the Campbell River Storm on Thursday (Oct. 11) at 7:15 p.m. at the NIC.
sports@nanaimobulletin.com