When the Buccaneers skate at full speed, there aren’t a lot of junior B hockey teams that can keep up with them.
The Bucs blasted the Westshore Wolves 8-3 last Thursday at the Nanaimo Ice Centre.
The game was 1-1 after one period, but once the Buccaneers started winning races to the puck, they couldn’t be contained.
“We have some really talented and skilful players [and] our team really knows how to capitalize,” said Noah Russi, Bucs captain.
Glen Smith, general manager of the Buccaneers, said the Wolves were going with three lines whereas his team kept rolling four.
“We knew if we kept skating we’d break away from them eventually,” he said. “We moved the puck really, really well.”
The Nanaimo squad had been battling through some close games of late.
“We weren’t getting pucks to the net in those games,” Smith said. “We talked a lot tonight about getting more pucks to the net and on the power play, getting a shot every 15 seconds. It helps.”
Russi led his team with two goals and two assists, Jordan Levesque also scored twice and Garrett Dunlop had four assists. Other scorers were Shane Dial, Lee Orpen, Chad Bell and David Osborne. Ryan Waldhaus made 22 saves for the win.
Russi said his team will build off the blowout win.
“It’s nice to get those 4-3, 3-2 games because you’re going to need those throughout playoffs, but the 8-3 win definitely feels good for the dressing room and we’ll just try to keep going and push forward.”
GAME ON … The Bucs host the Kerry Park Islanders on Saturday (Nov. 9) at 5:45 p.m. at the NIC. Then they’re home again on Thursday (Nov. 14) when the Comox Valley Glacier Kings visit the NIC for a 7:15 p.m. faceoff.
sports@nanaimobulletin.com
