The Royals (15-14-2-0, 32pts) clawed back from a three goal first period deficit to even the score in the third. Defenseman Travis Brown led the way with a pair of goals, while Brandon Magee had a goal and assist.
“I liked the way our guys didn’t quit, we pushed it back and tied it…unfortunate thing is I don’t like the way we lost it – but those are the breaks.” Said Head Coach Dave Lowry,
Victoria hit two posts late in the game, but Nic Petan added his 6th into the empty net for insurance, as he along with Chase Deleo and Bjorkstrand had a goal and assist each.
“This is probably a good lesson for us, and this is something we better learn from. You spot a team as good a Portland as many goals, you put yourself not in a position to win.” Said Lowry
Portland wins their 6th in a row, and now leads the season series 2-1, winning a week ago Tuesday at home 4-2.
The Royals were 1 for 2 on the power play, while the Winterahawks went 1 for 3.
Victoria who opened a four game home stand, edged Portland in shots 32-31.
The Winterhawks jumped out to a 3-0 lead with the goals coming 2:23 apart by the 6:06 mark of the first. Deleo, followed by Alex Schoenborn, and Keoni Texeira hit the scoresheet, chasing starter Coleman Vollrath from the nets after 7 shots.
Brown got the Royals on board, but :45 seconds later Dominic Turgeon beat Jayden Sittler to restore the three goal lead. Before the period was out, Tyler Soy in his 100th game, notched his 6th, on the power play to cut the lead in half, 4-2.
Travis Brown blasted his 12th of the season past Adin Hill in the lone goal of the second period to bring Victoria to within one. Brown continues to lead all WHL defenseman in goals scored.
Brandon Magee earned his 9th to tie the game at 4, but less than two minutes later Bjorkstrand, who was name the WHL Player Of The Week, found the back of the net with his 19th, on a solo effort with his club down a man for the eventual winner.
Up next the lone contest of the season against the Saskatoon Blades on Friday night.
- Marlon Martens
Portland Winterhawks 6 at Victoria Royals 4 - Status: Final
Tuesday, December 2, 2014 - Save-On-Foods Memorial Arena - Victoria, BC
Portland 4 0 2 - 6
Victoria 2 1 1 - 4
1st Period-
1, Portland, De Leo 16 (Viveiros, Petan), 3:43 (PP).
2, Portland, Schoenborn 9 (De Leo), 5:22.
3, Portland, Texeira 3 (Overhardt), 6:06.
4, Victoria, Brown 11 14:03.
5, Portland, Turgeon 8 (Koules), 14:48.
6, Victoria, Soy 6 (Walker, Magee), 18:50 (PP).
Penalties-Walker Vic (high sticking), 1:59; Cederholm Por (holding), 17:55.
2nd Period-
7, Victoria, Brown 12 (Gagnon, Chase), 4:26.
Penalties-Palmer Vic (kneeing), 13:17; Nagy Vic (cross checking), 19:10.
3rd Period-
8, Victoria, Magee 9 (Reddekopp, Carroll), 8:31.
9, Portland, Bjorkstrand 19 10:25 (SH).
10, Portland, Petan 6 (Bjorkstrand), 19:54 (EN).
Penalties-Bittner Por (slashing), 9:06; Carroll Vic (10-minute misconduct), 19:54.
Shots on Goal-
Portland 13-10-8-31.
Victoria 16-8-8-32.
Power Play Opportunities-
Portland 1 / 3;
Victoria 1 / 2.
Goalies-
Portland, Hill 5-2-0-0 (32 shots-28 saves).
Victoria, Vollrath 12-9-2-0 (7 shots-4 saves); Sittler 2-4-0-0 (23 shots-21 saves).
A-3,779
Referees-Brett Iverson (24), Chris Schlenker (9).
Linesmen-Jarrod Boman (116), Blake Copeland (95).
