The new-look Nanaimo Buccaneers picked up their first win.
The Bucs defeated the Campbell River Storm last Thursday by a 4-3 score in Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League regular-season action at the Nanaimo Ice Centre. Nanaimo had lost its first two games by blowout scores, but team owner Carl Ollech said it takes time for teams to build chemistry and mojo and he anticipates this year’s young Buccaneers team to keep getting better as the year goes on.
“We have lots of talent, huge talent…” Ollech said. “We’re fast, we’re smart, we’re rough and tumble, there’s all sorts of skill on this team.”
In the win, Julian Rutland scored the game-winning goal with less than three minutes left in the third period and other scorers were Tavish Parkhurst, Gavin Mastrodonato and Mitchell Billings. Sam Laidlaw made 34 saves for the win as the Bucs were outshot 37-23.
The teams played a rematch up Island on Friday, with the Storm prevailing 7-2. Oren Louie and Hunter MacDonald scored and Joshua Doherty made 48 saves as the Buccaneers were outshot 55-15.
GAME ON … The Buccaneers host the Comox Valley Glacier Kings on Thursday, Oct. 15, at the Nanaimo Ice Centre. Fans are not permitted to attend.
editor@nanaimobulletin.com
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