Grizzlies Roll Into Wesbild On Streak:

This is in todays Morning Star Newspaper:

Grizzlies roll into Wesbild on streak

Published: December 17, 2009

The Vernon Vipers will face another red-hot net detective in B.C. Hockey League action tonight at Wesbild Centre.

Ryan Holfeld went the distance as the Victoria Grizzlies recorded back-to-back shutouts, including a 4-0 victory over the Salmon Arm SilverBacks Wednesday night. The Grizzlies shut down the Merritt Centennials 4-0 Tuesday night.

The Vipers were stoned by all-star goalie Sean Bonar in a 3-2 double overtime loss to the Penticton Vees last Saturday night.

Holfeld, a 20-year-old Saskatchewan product, earned first star with 26 saves before 900 fans at the Sunwave Centre. Holfeld stopped former Grizzlie Tyler Gubb on a second-period penalty shot. He lowered his goals against average to 2.88.

Leading Grizzlie scorer Dustin Mowrey (25 goals and 42 points) scored twice for Victoria, who improved to 19-12-2-5. Mowrey, named second star, is committed to the Cornell Big Red for next season.

The Grizzlies are fourth in the Coastal Conference, three behind the Powell River Kings. Vernon and Victoria last met in the Royal Bank Cup last May in Victoria with the Vipers winning 5-4 on a Cole Ikkala overtime goal.

The SilverBacks’ winless streak hit three games as they dropped to 19-14-4 for fourth place in the Interior Conference.

The Nanaimo Clippers, who are in Vernon Saturday night, lost 4-2 to the Vees Wednesday night and bowed 2-1, in OT, to the Westside Warriors Tuesday night.

Denver Manderson scored his 25th and 26th goals of the season as Penticton moved within four points of the first-place Vipers. It was 2-0 Vees after the first period on goals by Garrett Milan and Alex Szcechura.

Nanaimo equalized on a pair of second-period goals by Cody Bremner (one shorthanded). The Clippers fell to 15-11-1-8.

“I thought we played a pretty good first period and then it was pretty sub-par from there,” said Manderson. “Nanaimo played last night (Tuesday) and it was probably to our advantage because they are a hard-working team. I don’t think we were at our best. I don’t think anybody is too happy about that.”

Added Eric Filiou of the Vees: “I think we came out pretty strong and got two quick goals. Then we might have got a little too over confident. Gave away two breakaway goals, one shorthanded. We battled back in the game.”

Newcomer Zach Marti, of Quebec and Matthew Ius (12-15-27) and Joe Perry (7-17-24) are on the Clippers’ injured list. Nanaimo head coach Bill Bestwick was ejected by referee Steve Papp late in the second period.

The Vipers take a Christmas break after Saturday night’s game. They resume practice Sunday, Dec. 27 in preparation for a game two nights later in Trail. Vernon visits the SilverBacks in a special New Year’s Eve matinee (3 p.m.).