The Nanaimo Buccaneers will try to maintain an edge over a team they’ll be facing come playoff time.
The Bucs host the Comox Valley Glacier Kings on Thursday (Feb. 4). With the two teams almost certain to meet in the first round of the Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League post-season, the matchup will have a playoff feel, especially with home-ice advantage still to be determined.
“We haven’t distanced ourselves enough from them to be free [with] home-ice already, so this game against them is probably the biggest game of the year to date,” said Dan Lemmon, Bucs coach.
He said in an intense game, it will be important for his team to get off to a good start.
“If we can get physical and get pucks in deep and create turnovers in the offensive zone, that’s going to help us, it’s going to gain us confidence,” he said.
The Bucs visited the Westshore Wolves on Wednesday night and lost 6-5 in overtime. D.J. Petruzzelli and Nolan Richardson each had a goal and two assists and other scorers were Hobin Zinck, Trent Bell and Gibson Doney. Alex Orth suffered the loss in goal.
GAME ON … The Buccaneers and Glacier Kings face off Thursday at 7:15 p.m. at the Nanaimo Ice Centre.
sports@nanaimobulletin.com