Grizzlies rally, end lengthy losing skid

Grizzlies goaltender Ryder Bremner (shown in action last month) was spectacular in relief on Feb. 8 as he stopped 29 of 34 shots to lead his team to a 13-11 win over the Shooting Eagles in Arena Lacrosse League West action at Langley Events Centre. Ryan Molag file photo

The streak is over.

After enduring nine consecutive losses, the Grizzlies finally got back in the win column with a 13-11 win over the Shooting Eagles.

The teams were playing on Tuesday (February 6) at Langley Events Centre with the Grizzlies improving to 3-9 while the Shooting Eagles lost for a third straight time to see their record fall to 7-5 in Arena Lacrosse League West Division play.

The Grizzlies were ahead by two early in the fourth quarter before the Shooting Eagles scored four of the next five to pull ahead 11-10 with 6:37 to play and it looked like the team’s string of devastating defeats would continue as they had lost their previous five games by a combined six goals, including an overtime setback the previous game.

But Connor Whyte and Brian Smith struck 1:46 apart and Sekawnee Baker added an insurance marker in the final minute to preserve the victory.

Mitch McDole led the Grizzlies with a hat trick and six points while Baker – the game’s first star – and Kyle Brunsch both had a pair of goals and four assists. Smith, Whyte and Pearson Willis rounded out the scoring as they each had two goals and an assist.

Ryder Bremner took over in goal for the Grizzlies early in the second quarter and was sensational in relief, stopping 29 of 34 shots (.853 save percentage) and earning second star honours. He replaced Brayden Wandler, who made nine saves on 15 shots.

Declan Fitzpatrick was the third star after leading the Shooting Eagles with five goals and one assist. Garret Winter (2-5) led all scorers with seven points and Mark Yingling had five assists. Jake Young, Spencer Bromley and Coady Adamson each had a goal and two helpers with Tyson Johnson finished with a goal and an assist. Johnson also won 20 of 26 face-offs.

Brody Harris made 49 saves as the Eagles were outshot 62-49.

The Shooting Eagles look to return to the win column when they face the Black Fish on February 20. Game time is 7:00pm at Langley Events Centre.

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