Special to the Review
By Andy Siegel
The Revelstoke Grizzlies took on the Princeton Posse again on Wednesday, March 27, where they secured a 4–2 win, giving them at two-win lead in the series.
While the Grizzlies were ultimately able to snag the win, they had to claw back into the game after the Posse took the lead. Revelstoke now takes a 3-1 lead to Princeton Friday night, where they can close out the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League series and win the Doug Birks division title.
When asked about how the squad responded to being down two goals in both games, Grizzlies coach, Jiri Novak, said “obviously it showed the mental strength this team has and how they can play a full 60 minutes to come back.”
Reflecting on the challenge of closing out the series Friday night, Novak said “we have a chance to win the series but don’t want to look too far forward since Princeton is a really good team. The guys need to keep focused and do the right things to be on our game.”
The Posse opened the scoring early in the first period at 1:49 when Josh Roy posted up on the left side of the slot, receiving a cross ice pass snapping it into the cage.
At 12:09 on a power play, the Posse peppered the Grizzlies net with two quick shots on the left side, resulting in a rebound trickling over to the right side of the crease where Bryton Morrow was in perfect position to easily sweep the puck in for the score.
Nearing the end of the first period, Revelstoke got the boost they were looking for at 18:19 when Daniel Wittenberg slid down the left side, releasing a snapshot cross ice that sailed into the upper right corner of the goal and cutting the Posse lead in half.
The second period proved frustrating for the home team with several chances, no goals, and multiple penalties.
With 3:03 left in the second period, Princeton was called for a slashing on Daniel Wittenberg, giving the Grizzlies an opportunity to tie the game before going into the second intermission. Posse goaltender, Blake Sittler, withstood the barrage allowing the Posse to finish out the period with the lead at 2–1.
At 16:33 in the final frame, Revelstoke’s persistence paid off when Diego Smith and Colten McLeod connected with Austin Wooley who launched a high wrist shot into the back of the net for the tie.
With the Forum still buzzing in excitement from the equalizing score, just over a minute later, Wooley and Brady Augot passed to Luke Aston who swept down the right side of the Posse zone. He wasted no time releasing a mid level shot that flew into the left side of the goal bringing the home crowd out of their seats roaring in celebration with their team now in the lead at 3–2.
Sealing the victory with four seconds left, Revelstoke’s Jake Neufeld fed Alexander Bronswyk who scored an open net goal.
Commenting on his tying goal, Wooley said “we were down and out, needing a goal, so I just kind of shot it and the bounce went our way.”
Wooley commented on the team’s mindset going into Friday’s game.
“Princeton is a really good team so going into their barn we gotta stick with what’s been working to come out of there with a win.”
Grizzlies goaltender, Jozef Kuchaslo, was happy with the come back but acknowledged the team’s work is far from over.
“We’re up 3-1 but the job is not finished till we get the win there.”
The Grizzlies face off against the Posse Friday night, March 29, at 7 p.m. in the Princeton & District Arena.
READ MORE: Revelstoke City Council approves Columbia Basin Trust grants for 2024