VIJHL Playoff Summary – March 21
Victoria 8 Nanaimo 1
The Victoria Cougars have grabbed a 3-2 series lead. They are one win away from playing for the league title. The Cougars defeated the Nanaimo Buccaneers 8-1 on Thursday night at the Arch in Esquimalt.
Veteran Defenceman and Captain, Carl Ewert opened the Cougars account early in the first. Tyler Vanuden added a shorthanded marker for the Cougars before Seamus O’Toole cut the lead in half by period’s end.
The Cougars pounced on the Bucs in the second period scoring 4 times. Tyler Vanuden with a pair to complete the hat-trick. Matthew Clark and Bryce Irwin notched the others.
Foster Martin and Joshua Martin rounded out the Cougars scoring in the third for the 8-1 victory.
Victoria went 3 for 8 with the man advantage and were a perfect 3 for 3 on the kill.
As you would expect Vanuden was the Cougars game star with his 4 points (3 goals, 1 assist), while Ewert and Irwin (3 points each) were also in the running.
Captain Billy Walters was selected as the Buccaneers game star.
Game 6 is set for Friday at the Pirate Ship in Nanaimo. Game time is 7:30 PM.