Recap Game 5: Victoria 4 - Kamloops 2

Brett Cote scored twice including the winner as the Royals doubled the Blazers 4-2

Polivka made 47 saves

Brett Cote scored twice and Patrik Polivka made 47 saves to backstop the Victoria Royals to a 4-2 victory over the host Kamloops Blazers Saturday night.

“We played with a lot discipline, a lot of composure and we knew we had to play simple and our goaltending once again, was great.” – Dave Lowry, Royals Head Coach

The Royals stay alive, and force a game 6 back at Bear Mountain Monday, trailing 3-2 in the best of seven Western Quarterfinals playoffs.

According to Lowry, “Our guys did a real good job staying in the moment, and they’ve earned that opportunity to play another game.” 

Logan Nelson adds the insurance marker

After leading 1-0 after 20 minutes, the Royals trailed 2-1 in the second.  Cote tied the game late in the final minute of the second period, and then broke the 2-2 tie 11:25 into the third for the eventual game winner.  Logan Nelson added the insurance marker into an empty net.

Cote & Kessy mix it up

“Cote was huge, we need scoring throughout our line up.  If you can get your back end scoring and contributing in the offense – especially off the rush, that was real big.”  Lowry said.

Jamie Crooks and Logan Nelson had a goal and an assist each.

Cote also stymied Brendan Ranford on a sure goal, getting his stick on the shot.

“I have no idea how that hit my stick, but I’m so glad it did.” Cote said with a grin, “We’re confident, but we know they’re a very good team and it’s not going to be easy.”

Polivka stops Kessey

Chase Souto and 41 goal man Colin Smith added his first of the post season in the middle frame.  Cole Cheveldave allowed 4 goals on 25 shots.

Polivka was brilliant, especially in the second period making 20 saves.

“It’s awesome, it’s unreal…” Polivka said about the victory, “Every win against a team like that especially in the playoffs, it’s good.”

Kamloops outshot Victoria 49-25 overall, and 202 to 125 in the five games combined.

“We played a simple game, it wasn’t pretty for us but at the end of the day it was effective.  That’s the way we’re going to have to continue to play.” Lowry said.

There were no penalties called in the first period, with the Royals going 0 for 1on the power play and stopping 3 of 4 Blazer man advantage.

Ben Walker got stopped in alone by Cheveldave

Tim Bozon missed his second in a row for Kamloops as Victoria was again without Brandon Magee (Upper), D Tyler Stahl (Lower, day to day), Alex Gogolev (Lower, indefinite), F Luke Harrison (Upper, indifinite) and D Ryan Gagnon (Upper).  Austin Carroll also did not dress (Upper).  Kolton Dixon played his first WHL post season game.

Tim Traber stopped by Cheveldave

The Royals will now travel back home to face the Blazers in Game 6 of their WHL Western Conference Quarter-Final series on Monday, April 1. Puck drop for Game 6 is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. at Bear Mountain Arena. Fans are reminded that the Select Your Tickets box office will be open on Sunday, March 31 and Monday, April 1 despite the holiday.

Monday will also mark a special playoff edition of Money Mart Mad Monday! Fans can purchase a limited number of standing room tickets for just $6.00 beginning at 9:30 a.m. at the Select Your Tickets box office. Tickets are available in-person only and limited to four per customer.

Here Comes the Blue! Tickets for Game 6 at Bear Mountain Arena are still available, but going fast. Fans are encouraged to order tickets in advance by calling 250-220-7777, going online to www.selectyourtickets.com or visiting the Select Your Tickets box office.

The Royals celebrate their 4th goal

Victoria Royals 4 at Kamloops Blazers 2 - Status: Final
Saturday, March 30, 2013 - Interior Savings Centre - Kamloops, BC

Victoria 1 1 2 - 4
Kamloops 0 2 0 - 2

1st Period-
1, Victoria, Crooks 3 (Fransoo, Fushimi), 8:03.

Penalties-No Penalties

2nd Period-
2, Kamloops, Souto 1 (Needham), 1:28.
3, Kamloops, Smith 1 (Lipon, Ranford), 11:54 (PP).
4, Victoria, Cote 1 (Hodges), 19:21.

Penalties-Crooks Vic (delay of game), 6:02; Fransoo Vic (high sticking), 10:31; Fisher Vic (roughing), 17:35; Rehill Kam (roughing, roughing), 17:35; Nelson Vic (checking from behind), 19:06.

3rd Period-
5, Victoria, Cote 2 (Nelson, Crooks), 11:25.
6, Victoria, Nelson 2   19:26.

Penalties-Kanzig Vic (slashing), 0:57; Walker Vic (embellishment), 6:17; Souto Kam (tripping), 6:17.

Shots on Goal-
Victoria 7-9-9-25.
Kamloops 12-21-16-49.

Power Play Opportunities-
Victoria 0 / 1;
Kamloops 1 / 4.

Goalies-
Victoria, Polivka 2-2-1-0 (49 shots-47 saves).
Kamloops, Cheveldave 3-2-0-0 (25 shots-21 saves).

A-4,581
Referees-Adam Byblow (23), Brett Iverson (24).
Linesmen-Ryan Gibbons (73), Justin Hull (49).