Saturday 25 October 2014

Recap: VAN 2 - VIC 3

Austin Carroll scored a pair of goals including the winner as the Victoria Royals (8-6-1-0, 17pts) edged the visiting Vancouver Giants 3-2 Saturday on Pink in the Rink night.

“It wasn’t pretty, but we got it done – we can be happy about that.” – Royals Assistant Coach Enio Sacilotto

The Royals sweep the two game set after a 2-1 victory over the Giants Friday night.

Victoria extends their win streak to 4 games, while handing Vancouver their 3 consecutive defeat.  The Giants have yet to win on the road this season in 6 tries (0-6).

“I think we’re just playing as a team…” said Carroll about what the team is doing right during the 4 game win streak.

“Even when we get down a bit, someone finds a way to go out there and light a fire under us.  It’s a team effort, and as much as we’ve been winning, I think we have a lot more to bring to the table as well.” 

The Royals even the season series at 2 games a piece and will meet next on road on November 15th.

Coleman Vollrath earned his 4th straight win making 29 saves and has only allowed 5 goals against during the 4 game win streak.

“At times I thought we had some moments we could be better, that was the same last night…but we found a way to win ugly, and luckily were coming out of the weekend with two wins.” Said Vollrath

Payton Lee suffered his 5th defeat allowing 3 goals on 26 shots.

Vancouver opened the scoring on a Matt Bellerieve (1g 1a) power play goal, before Taylor Crunk replied with his first goal and followed with a fight with Arvin Atwal.

In the second, Carroll notched his 9th of the year on the power play to give Victoria their first lead 2-1.

In the third, Mason Geertsen who’s hit on Tyler Soy left him unable to return back in the first, scored the Giants 2nd power play goal of the game to draw even at 2.  Carroll’s 10th of the year set up by Brandon Magee gave the Royals the lead one final time.

The newly created line of Carroll, Magee (2a) and Axel Blomqvist (2a) in the absence of Soy, collected 6 points on the night.

“It felt good playing with Magee and Blomqvist…it’s exciting to play with them.” Said Carroll

Vancouver was 2 for 3 with the man advantage, while the home team was 1 for 4.

Victoria’s 5 game homestand continues with a visit from the most offensive club in the WHL, the Brandon Wheat Kings on Tuesday, and wraps up with a pair against Tri City Saturday and Sunday.

- Marlon Martens

Vancouver Giants 2 at Victoria Royals 3 - Status: Final
Saturday, October 25, 2014 - Save-On-Foods Memorial Arena - Victoria, BC

Vancouver 1 0 1 - 2
Victoria 1 1 1 - 3

1st Period-
1, Vancouver, Bellerive 4 (Atwal, Geertsen), 5:39 (PP).
2, Victoria, Crunk 1 (Fisher, Gagnon), 11:06.

Penalties-Gagnon Vic (interference), 3:56; Roach Van (interference), 8:19; Atwal Van (major-fighting), 12:11; Crunk Vic (major-fighting), 12:11; Popoff Van (interference), 13:01.

2nd Period-
3, Victoria, Carroll 9 (Blomqvist, Magee), 9:08 (PP).

Penalties-Morrison Van (tripping), 3:48; Hamilton Van (hooking), 7:51; Kanzig Vic (cross checking), 10:29.

3rd Period-
4, Vancouver, Geertsen 1 (Benson, Bellerive), 5:38.
5, Victoria, Carroll 10 (Magee, Blomqvist), 13:27.

Penalties-Hicketts Vic (kneeing), 3:37; Popoff Van (roughing), 8:51; Gagnon Vic (roughing), 8:51.

Shots on Goal-
Vancouver 17-6-8-31.
Victoria 7-13-6-26.

Power Play Opportunities-
Vancouver 1 / 3;
Victoria 1 / 4.

Goalies-
Vancouver, Lee 6-5-0-0 (26 shots-23 saves).
Victoria, Vollrath 7-5-1-0 (31 shots-29 saves).

A-5,089
Referees-Tyler Adair (58), Adam Griffiths (36).
Linesmen-Jacob Hill (122), Jeff MacAdams.