A fantastic hockey game between two great teams needed extra time at the Multiplex on Friday night, as the Grizzlies remained unbeaten with a 3-2 overtime win over the Bulldogs.
After a scoreless first, Matthew Wood gave the Grizzlies a 1-0 lead on the power play when he scored from the left circle on the slot to open the scoring at 1:36 of the second. The Grizzlies build their lead to 2-0 just two minutes later on a 2 on 1 rush as Hobie Hedquist made the first save, but Tim Kim found the rebound in the paint. The Bulldogs answered back to get on the board a minute and a half later, as Chase Klassen skated in alone off a Mirko Buttazzoni set up to pick the top corner, short-side on Carter Woodside to make it 2-1. The Bulldogs would tie the game on a 5 on 3 power play with 1:37 to play in the period, as Brandon Buhr set up Josh Van Unen for a tap in at the side of the crease. Ryan Nause also assisted on the play as the game headed to the third tied at 2-2.
The third period was scoreless, with both teams playing tight checking as it felt somewhat like a playoff game.
In overtime, the Bulldogs had the first great chance, as Carter Woodside came up with a game saving stop on Josh Zary in the paint. On the next shift the Grizzlies would win it, as Connor Eddy used a Defenceman as a screen to beat Hobie Hedquist for the game winner, exactly 2:00 into sudden death for the 3-2 final.
Shots were 36-30 Grizzlies, with Carter Woodside earning 3rd star honours with the win while Hobie Hedquist took the loss. The Bulldogs went 1 for 5 on the power play while the Grizzlies went 1 for 4.
The Bulldogs next see action Sunday night, when they host the Cowichan Valley Capitals.
