Vikes upset SFU in first round opener, can advance to Finals on Saturday

Simon Fraser UNiversity had built a 3-1 lead in the second period, but were undone by five unanswered goals as the University of Victoria Vikes rallied for a 6-3 victory in Game One of their best-of-three first round BCIHL playoff series.

“We didn’t have a good defensive side of the puck game,” said head coach Mark Coletta. “We didn’t play with that lead properly. Our defensive zone wasn’t up to par. There were a couple of times tonight, especially in that second period, where we were just too lazy. The third period we played well, but just couldn’t score.”

SFU had to survive some sustained pressure in the first ten minutes, as they had to kill two penalties. Brandon Tidy opened the scoring with 5:50 left in the first, deflecting Nick Coltura’s shot for the SFU’s first goal of the BCIHL playoffs.

UVic’s Patrick Holland tied up the game nearly four minutes into the second. Just 29 seconds later, Adam Callegari answered back to give the Clan a 2-1 lead. Brendan Lamont and Jayden Piattelli were awarded assists. Tidy, with his second of the night, gave the Clan a two-goal lead 1:34 later, on a 2-on-1 opportunity, assisted by Lamont.

However, UVic would claim the lead with three unanswered goals in the span of 4:06, with Jack Palmer, Shaun Mueller, and Noah Henry putting up goals. Mueller, with his second of the night, gave the Vikes 5-3 lead nearly seven minutes into the third period.

SFU had a number of scoring chances — outshooting UVic 11-6 in the third frame — but UVic goaltender Zach Wear was solid in net, not allowing a third period goal. Holland scored an empty-net goal to make the final score 6-3.

Lyndon Stanwood made 24 saves on 29 shots (.826 SV%) on a night where SFU outshot UVic 31-30.

“UVic’s a good team, they can hurt you with a couple of their lines. They played a solid playoff-style hockey game — they’re physical, they packed it in, took their chances,” said Coletta. “We’ve just got to be better.”

SFU will look to even up the series Saturday night at home in the Bill Copeland Sports Centre. SFU were 10-2 at home in the regular season. If SFU wins, they will face UVic again the following day at 4:30 at the Bill Copeland Sports Centre. If SFU loses, UVic will move on to the BCIHL Finals against Trinity Western. Puck drop is at 7 pm Saturday.