Special to the Review
By: Andy Siegel
The Revelstoke Grizzlies rung in New Year’s Eve with a shutout, 4-0 win in front of what appeared to be a sold out crowd of 1,000 people in Grizzlies history.
Local fans jammed into the Revelstoke Forum on Sunday (Dec. 31) and were treated to a tight KIJHL contest featuring just one goal through two periods until captain Brady Schwab broke open the game in the final frame.
Commenting on playing in front of a packed crowd, the Grizzlies leader said it was ‘awesome’.
“Nothing compares to it. After a long holiday break it really energizes the group. No better feeling to fire the team up.”
6:50 into the first period Jake Neufeld started the scoring by chipping a fluttering puck into the net on the right side, sending the home fans into a frenzy. Assists went to Brady Augot and Nathan White.
Despite a terrific effort from both squads no goals were scored till the third period keeping the fans on the edge of their seats.
Not letting the lack of scoring phase them, Schwab said the mood in the locker room after the second period was very positive.
“We knew we had to be better than the first two periods. We’re a resilient group, so just needed to get going after a long break.”
At 1:41 Schwab charged up the left side firing a hard wrist shot from the top of the circle that sailed into the side of the net, surprising the Rockets goalie. Assist on the play was awarded to Kuy Schmirler.
Schwab’s second goal of the evening was a terrific rebound in tight on the left side of the goal that he roofed under the top of the netting.
“It was a great shot from the point. The rebound was there for me to get it up over the goalie.”
Assists on the third goal went to Farris Meddeb and Schmirler for his second of the night.
With just over two minutes left Jeff Patola snapped a high shot from the left side into the net giving the crowd one last chance to celebrate, singing their victory song “Hey Baby.” David Ander and Farris Meddeb assisted on the play.
The Grizzlies travel south of the border this Friday (Jan. 5) night to face off against the Spokane Eagles. Next home game at the Forum is Jan. 12.
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