The new Nanaimo Buccaneers started a new season with a win.
The Bucs, and coach Derek Bachynski, earned their first victory of the 2014-15 Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League season, 5-2 over the Oceanside Generals on Thursday at the Nanaimo Ice Centre.
The Bucs burst out of the gate at the starting faceoff, building a 4-0 lead by the end of the first period on goals from Nolan Richardson, Will McNamara, Jordan Levesque and Jared Fedosoff.
“We were using our speed, we were forechecking and we were relentless on the puck,” Bachynski said. “We got away from that a little bit when we had the four-goal lead and that happens.”
The Generals tallied twice in the second period and then Fedosoff rounded out the scoring in the third. Brandon Ward made 28 saves for the win.
Bachynski said it was a great feeling to win his first game behind the Bucs' bench.
"It's all about the team," he said. "It's good for all of us to start off on a good note, and I like where this group is going."
GAME ON … The Buccaneers host the Kerry Park Islanders on Thursday (Sept. 11) at 7:15 p.m. at the NIC.
sports@nanaimobulletin.com