Somerville scores five as UVic's eight-goal second period sinks Eastern

Leading 3-1 after 20 minutes on the road in Victoria, it appeared that Eastern Washington University was well on their way to notching their first victory of the 2016/17 B.C. Intercollegiate Hockey League regular season. But then the second period happened.

Just as quickly as the lead was earned, it was taken away as the Vikes scored eight unanswered goals -- including five in a span of 4:16 -- before the second intermission and cruised to a 10-5 victory on Teddy Bear Toss night at the Ian Stewart Complex.

Luciano Somerville led the offensive charge for the hosts, scoring four times in the second period before netting a fifth midway through the third. He also picked up an assist on a night that saw him collect a career-high six points.

Linemate Shawn Mueller (one goal, four assists) picked up five points to reclaim top spot in the BCIHL scoring race while Braeden Cyra and Kyle Bird each finished the night with four helpers.

The second period implosion spoiled an otherwise effective road effort for the Eagles, who won two of three periods. Matt Lucero, Kyle Blondin and Trevor Zakrajsek each scored in the first period while Zakrajsek and Taylor Bargar capped the scoring the the third.

Tyler O'Donnell gave way to Austin Brihn after allowing nine goals on 27 shots through 40 minutes. Brihn conceded one goal during a 13-shot third period.

Zach Wear was relieved by Michael Fredrick after 20 minutes for the Vikes, and the former RBC Cup champion stopped 22 of 24 the rest of the way to earn the win.

Final shots on goal in the game were 41-32 in favour of Victoria.

The Vikes will close out the fall semester with a pair of games at Simon Fraser University next weekend, while the Eagles will host Trinity Western in their final game of 2016 on Saturday, December 3rd.