Vikes offence explodes to earn weekend sweep over Eastern Washington

The University of Victoria offence finally found its stride after a slow start to 2017, with seven Vikes skaters picking up two or more points in a decisive 7-3 victory over Eastern Washington University of Saturday night at the Ian Stewart Complex in Victoria.

The Vikes and Eagles traded goals in the first 10 minutes of regulation and EWU kept things close through 40 minutes, but three unanswered goals in the third period iced any hopes of an Eastern comeback.

Liam Shaw and Jack Palmer scored to earn UVic a 2-1 lead after 20 minutes before Chris Manhas and Patrick Holland tallied in the second. Luciano Somerville scored an insurance marker with 8:45 remaining in the third period, and Brandon Volpe and Palmer added on late in the game.

Holland finished the game with a goal and two assists while Shaw, Volpe, Palmer, Shawn Mueller, Landen Matechuk and Kyle Bird each picked up two points on the night.

Tanner Hawes, Taylor Bargar and Beau Walker replied for the Eagles, with Walker and Brett Mathews each putting up multi-point efforts.

Michael Fredrick picked up his second win of the season for the Vikes with a 32-save effort, while Tyler O'Donnell took the loss after allowing seven goals on 35 shots.

With the weekend sweep, UVic likely puts to bed any hopes of a late-season rally for the Eagles, who now trail Victoria by 15 points for the BCIHL's final playoff spot with eight games remaining.