SATURDAY -- Wade Epp

I thought the third round series between Victoria and Powell River was over 14 seconds into the game 5 last night. The Grizzlys, who already have a spot lined up in the RBC Cup finals in early May, did not look ready to play and found themselves down 1-0 before the first shift was over.

They did a good job of regrouping and by the end of the first period seemed ready to compete and played very well through periods 2 and 3.

Call it a press, a lock or even a trap Victoria was able to shutdown the offence of Powell River and capitalize their on their chances on route to a 4-1 victory and a chance to extend the series to 7 with game 6 tonight in Powell River.

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Game 5 was played at the brand new Memorial Centre in Victoria because the Grizzlys regular home rink at Bear Mountain was booked for a curling bonspiel. The MC is home to the ECHL's Salmon Kings and the big team did a good job of some cross marketing and promotion handing out Salmon Kings info and some souvenirs. I still think the ECHL team ownership group should have gone with the name Victoria Active Passers instead of the Salmon Kings.

While I used to get to a number of Victoria Shamrock games back in the old rink near downtown I had not yet been in the new building and I was fairly impressed with the facility although the sound system was awful, the rink burgers were luke warm and $10 for parking is just wrong.

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It was nice to be able to relax and have a couple barley based beverages and not have to work while watching a Jr. A game for the first time this season. While the Victoria fans I was sitting with seemed to expect a lot from their team and their cheering was mainly directed at their frustration with their own team, despite the fact they were winning, they did have nothing but good things to say about former Drumheller Dragon Wade Epp.

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Overall I wasn't very impressed with the level of play of either squad and I'd be happy to take either G.P. or Spruce Grove in the Doyle Cup this year. Yes, I'd even take Brooks if they can find a way to win at Canada Games Arena.

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Go Northeast Panthers Go. Game 4 of thier best of 5 with Peace River is tonight at the RJ. Wish I could be there for that one.