The Revelstoke Grizzlies will be looking to get back above .500 when they head out on a tough three-game road trip to the East Kootenays this weekend.
“We’ll prepare no different than any other week,” said coach Ryan Parent. “We’ve been OK on the road so far, so our chances are good out there.”
Revelstoke lost twice last weekend, falling 4-2 to the North Okanagan Knights in Armstrong on Friday, then dropping their home opener 4-3 to the Kimberely Dynamiters on Saturday.
On Friday, the Knights jumped out to the early lead with a goal from Austin Fournier at 12:40 of the first. Ryan Pereverzoff ties things for the Grizzlies, but the Knights got the lead back before the period was done.
Kyle Berry tied the game up for Revelstoke just past the midway point of the second, but goals from Ryan Moon and Trent Redschlag put North Okanagan up for good before the period was over. The third period was scoreless and the game ended 4-2.
Keyon Bittner started for Revelstoke but was replaced by Michael Lenko after giving up three goals on 11 shots.
“I don’t think we brought our A-game,” said Parent. “We might have deserved a closer fate than what the score reflected. It doesn’t matter. We didn’t play the right way the whole game.”
On Saturday, Revelstoke hosted the defending KIJHL champion Kimberley Dynamiters in front of 250 fans at the team’s home opener.
Once again, Revelstoke found themselves giving up the first goal, with Eric Buckley scoring for the Dynamiters on a 5-on-3 power play 6:34 into the game
The Grizzlies didn’t trail for long, with Berry tying the game seven minutes later with a beautiful individual effort, scoring from his backhand while falling to the ice. Goalie Lenko got an assist on the play.
“Kyle’s turned up his game and he’s shooting the puck,” said Parent. “He’s more of a threat than when he got here because he’s learning how to play the right way.”
The second period was a repeat of the first, with Kimberley getting a goal seven minutes in, only for Revelstoke to tie it up on the power play. This time, it was Kaden Black scoring for Revelstoke. Austyn Moser responded for Kimberley 90 seconds later to give his team the lead heading into the third.
In the final period, Jason Richter added to the Dynamiters’ lead, scoring 5:40 into the frame. Berry responded not long after with his second of the game, but that was all she wrote for the Grizzlies, who were unable to even things up before the final horn went.
“They have a skilled group of guys,” said Parent of the Dynamiters. “I think we have good skill, I think it’s coming together and I think we’re very close to playing very good hockey.”
This weekend the Grizzlies hit the road for games against the Dynamiters, Fernie Ghostriders and Creston Valley Thundercats on Friday, Saturday and Sunday respectively.
It will be a tough weekend for Revelstoke, with their three opponents sporting a combined 12-3-0-3 record so far this season.
The Grizzlies record sits at two wins and three losses.
“You’d always like to be one better,” said Parent. “I’m happy with the way we played tonight. I’m not happy with the result but I’m happy with the efforts we had and the structure we had. I like that and that speaks of good things.”
The Grizzlies aren’t back at home until Saturday, Oct. 10, when they host the Osoyoos Coyotes.
