Eddy the OT hero as Grizzlies remain undefeated

VICTORIA 3 ALBERNI VALLEY 2 (OT)

Connor Eddy scored in overtime Friday night to keep the Victoria Grizzlies undefeated in the B.C. Hockey League at 4-0. The Grizzlies beat the host Alberni Valley Bulldogs 3-2 at Weyerhaeuser Arena.

The 19-year-old Eddy now leads the BCHL in scoring with 10 points, two ahead of teammate Matthew Wood.

Grizzlies captain Ellis Rickwood, on the power play and returning to the lineup after missing two games to injury, and Tim Kim gave the Grizzlies the lead in the second period. Chase Klassen and Josh Van Unen, on the power play, levelled for Alberni Valley (1-1-1) before the second break.

Carter Woodside made 28 saves in goal for the Grizzlies and Hobie Hedquist 33 for the Bulldogs.

The Nanaimo Clippers moved to 3-0 with a 8-1 victory Friday over the Powell River Kings (0-3). The two teams have played each other the first three games of the season.

The Grizzlies are in Duncan tonight to meet the Cowichan Valley Capitals (0-3).

ICE CHIPS: The Grizzlies were without injured forward Jack Gorton . . . . The Grizzlies announced Friday Suneil Karod as the new assistant coach and assistant GM to Craig Didmon. Karod has spent time in the BCHL with the Powell River Kings and the Chilliwack Chiefs, where in 2018 as an assistant coach he won a Royal Bank Cup national championship. He most recently coached with the Swan Valley Stampeders of the MJHL. Karod had success with the Victoria Cougars of the VIJHL as head coach and assistant coach and GM, winning five championships in eight seasons. “Suneil is a seasoned coach with years of experience whose past successes speak for themselves,” said Didmon.