Veterans Chase Pirtle and Reegan Hiscock are expected to lead the Victoria Grizzlies’ offence this season, and Friday night in Powell River they showed why.
Pirtle and Hiscock had a goal and an assist each to lead the Grizzlies to a 6-5 season-opening B.C. Hockey League victory over the Kings at Hap Parker Arena.
The Grizzlies owned the first two periods, taking a 5-2 lead into the second intermission. But, after a Julian Cull goal 25 seconds into the third put Victoria up 6-2, Powell River came storming back to make the Grizzlies earn it.
Pirtle, NCAA committed to Ivy League Cornell and who led the Grizzlies in scoring last season with 52 points en route to being named the BCHL rookie of the year, opened the scoring just six minutes into the first period, burying a nifty feed from rookie Tom Molson.
Hiscock, who has an NCAA scholarship to Northeastern University in his back pocket, helped the Grizzlies take control late in the second period. The St. John’s, Nfld., product set up Drew Hockley at the 15-minute mark to put Victoria up 4-2, and then found the back of the net himself two minutes later.
Ryan Watt and Tobias Pitka had the other Grizzlies goals, while Molson, the son of Montreal Canadiens co-owner and president Geoff Molson, finished with two assists.
Christian Maro, Michael Mardula, Tre Peck, Max Jelavic and Marek Beaudoin scored for Powell River.
Veteran netminder Oliver Auyeung-Ashton, after not playing in the preseason due to injury, made 32 saves to pick up the victory. Cooper Flemming made 25 saves for Powell River.
The teams will cap off their double-header weekend with a game Saturday night at Hap Parker Arena.
