The Nanaimo Buccaneers had to try to run the gauntlet last week.
The city’s junior B hockey team played each of its three division rivals over three nights, losing to the Comox Valley Glacier Kings 3-0 on Thursday at the Nanaimo Ice Centre but then winning road games over the Campbell River Storm, 5-4, and the Oceanside Generals, 4-3.
Bucs coach Brad Knight thought his team was soft in Thursday’s loss, as it was outshot 39-23 and didn’t enforce its game plan.
“It was a gut check and it was good for us to have one…” he said. “It is what it is; you’re going to get beat.”
The next day the Buccaneers defeated the Storm despite being outshot 54-20. Goalie Ryan Waldhaus made 50 saves and Lynden Eddy led the attack with two goals and an assist. Riel Gibson, Nick White and Dayton Boutilier were the other scorers.
At Parksville, the Bucs needed overtime to beat the Gens. Jordan Levesque scored two goals including the overtime winner and Lee Orpen and Eddy scored the other goals. Alex Mastrodonato made 19 saves for the win as the Buccaneers outshot the Generals 40-22.
GAME ON … The Buccaneers play the Westshore Wolves on Thursday (Nov. 7) at 7:15 p.m. at the NIC. Admission is $9 for adults, $8 for seniors and students and $5 for kids.