EWU and Victoria fight to series split in final games of 2011 calendar year

Eastern Washington University halted an eight-game winless streak on Saturday to open their weekend series at Victoria, but ultimately settled for a split as the teams closed out the first half of the 2011/12 B.C. Intercollegiate Hockey League season.

EWU overcame a slow first period on Saturday in which they outshot 12-2,  as Shane Horlacher opened the scoring midway through the second. Victoria's Cam McWilliamevened the game before intermission, but tallies by Taylor McClay and Bret Kellogg late in regulation boosted the Eagles to  victory.

Cash Ulrich made 35 saves in the victory for the visitors, while Taylor Pears allowed two goals in the loss.

On Saturday, the Vikes burst out of the gates with a three-goal first period and never looked back en route to a 5-0 win.

Adam Klein and Matt Bell each converted power-play opportunities, while Eli Wiebe closed out the scoring with 3:09 left in the frame. Cam McWilliam, with his second of the weekend, put the game out of reach on a second period man-advantage and Phil Barter closed out the scoring midway through the third.

Saturday's game got chippy at times, as evidenced by four fights (including a second period tussle between netminders Taylor Pears and Jason Greenwell).

Pears and Jason Margolus shared the shutout, while Greenwell allowed four goals before his skirmish. Cash Ulrich made 18 saves and allowed a single goal after the starter's departure.

Both teams will resume their seasons in January, with UVic hosting Selkirk College on January 7th and 8th while Eastern travels to the Lower Mainland on January 20th and 21st.