After the high of clinching a divisional title the night before, perhaps the Victoria Grizzlies were allowed a bit of a dip yesterday in dropping a 4-3 ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½ Hockey League decision to the Surrey Eagles.
Former Grizzlies forward Grant Toulmin got the party rolling for Surrey (27-23-4) by scoring a short-handed goal at 14:00 minutes of the first period before 1,045 fans. Goals by Cody Bremner, Madison Dias and Myles MacRae weren't enough on this day for Victoria (38-13-4). MacRae added an assist and was named game second star.
Andrew Wallace led Surrey with a goal and two assists and was named first star. Tom Janosz of Surrey, who had two assists, was named third star.
Anthony Grieco took the loss in net for Victoria in making 17 saves. Tommy Tartaglione made 27 saves in taking the win for Surrey.
The game was tied 1-1 after the first period and the Eagles led 3-1 at the second intermission. Dias' goal pulled Victoria to within one at 11:20 of the third period before Mike Henderson scored at 16:18 to restore Surrey's two-goal margin. MacRae scored on the power play with two seconds remaining to close out the game.
Saturday night's 6-3 victory in Burnaby over the Express locked up first place in the Island Division for the Grizzlies and a first-round playoff bye.
The Grizzlies play host to the Alberni Valley Bulldogs on Friday at Bear Mountain Arena and are home at the Bear to entertain the Cowichan Valley Capitals on Saturday.
