The Grizzlies finished the 20-game pandemic season at 14-6 and celebrated with the obligatory champions’ group picture at centre ice. Shortened season or not, the players were not going to be denied that moment.
The second-place Bulldogs (10-5-4) have a game remaining, tonight against the Nanaimo Clippers (8-11), but can’t catch the Grizzlies. The Cowichan Valley Capitals finished at 7-11-2. There are no playoffs.
“I told the players to enjoy this and to appreciate it and that nobody can take it away from them,” said Grizzlies GM and head coach Craig Didmon.
“It was a tough season, considering the circumstances, but they stuck to it. They wanted this and deserved it. We had a strong team and deserved the outcome we got. It’s a testament to the players’ dedication and commitment. It’s an especially incredible moment for our six graduating 20-year-olds.”
The Grizzlies (12-5) remained two points ahead of the Bulldogs (9-3-4) in the race for the Island crown. Victoria has three games remaining and Alberni Valley four.
Cowichan Valley (6-9-2) has played Victoria tough this season and is 3-3-1 against the Grizzlies. The victory moved the Caps out of the Island basement, two points ahead of Nanaimo, although the Clippers have a game in hand.
Cowichan Valley goaltender Jayden Shull held the Grizzlies at bay with a 43-save performance to be named first star. Outshot 21-9 in the first period, the Shull and the Capitals finally gave up a goal by NCAA Div. 1 Northern Michigan-bound Grizzlies defenceman Isack Bandu on the power play at 2:16 of the second period. Tyler Leibel levelled for Cowichan Valley at 7:22. Tanner Komzak put the upset-minded Caps ahead at 12:29 of the third period on the power play and Sean Ramsay struck at 14:51 for what turned out to be the winner. Bandu scored his second power play goal of the night at 19:35.
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The rapid tests showed positive but they were confirmed negative in all cases after follow-up testing using the gold-standard polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. The Clippers had paused all team activities and were isolating out of an abundance of caution, but were cleared Friday to resume practice and game play. “The Nanaimo Clippers, like all the BCHL teams, have been diligently following public health orders to eliminate any potential for exposure to COVID-19,” the club said in a statement. “Unfortunately, a news report was released [Thursday] suggesting that a number of Nanaimo Clippers had COVID-19. “That report was based on inconclusive testing, but on further testing, it’s clear that no Nanaimo Clipper player or staff member had or has COVID-19.”