Third period comeback lifts VIU to win, weekend sweep over Victoria

A pair of third period goals from Garrett Dunlop helped Vancouver Island University overcome a three-goal deficit after 40 minutes and secure a 4-3 win in their home opener over the University of Victoria on Sunday night in Nanaimo.

Branden Voss and Landen Matechuk had staked the Vikes to a 2-0 lead in the first period, and Liam Shaw had stretched the lead to three midway through the middle frame.

But Dunlop put the Mariners on the board on an early third period power-play and Gavin Rauser brought them within one a minute later.

Gage Colpron tied the game at the 12:43 mark of the third period on a play from linemate Kobe Oishi, and Dunlop came through with the game winner with his second man-advantage goal of the frame with less than seven minutes remaining on the clock.

VIU netminder Brett Clark allowed three goals early but shut the UVic offence down the rest of the way, stopping 27 of 30 shots on the night. Vikes starter Michael Fredrick took the loss, making 34 saves.

The win completed a two-game weekend sweep for the Mariners, who had generated 47 shots in a 6-4 road victory on Friday night in Victoria. Gavin Rauser and Brett Witala each scored twice, while Dunlop added three points. Clark stopped 28 for the win.

Both teams are back in action next weekend as Selkirk College makes a trip to Vancouver Island. They will play Friday at 7:30 PM in Victoria and 7:15 PM on Saturday in Nanaimo. Both games will be broadcast live on Hockey TV.