With their first home game of the season postponed due to a highway closer, the Grizzlies were eager to take to home ice for their first official home game of the new year.
Coming off a 3-2 road win in Nelson on Jan. 2, the Grizzlies were looking to start a win streak against the Castlegar Rebels at the Forum on Friday night.
The Grizzlies outshot the Rebels 7-6 in a scoreless but physical first period.
The scoring was opened when Castlegar forward Arron Petten floated one by Grizzlies net minder Michael Lenko, at 14:16 in the second period.
61 seconds later it was Cal Owens’ turn to score on Lenko, giving the Rebels a two-goal lead at 13:15 in the second period.
After not being able to score on two consecutive power plays, the home team finally managed to get on the board when Grizzlies forward Michael Roberts scored at 7:22, assisted by forwards Jeff Bochon and Ryan Hozjan.
Midway through the third period the game was still at a one goal deficit when Castlegar forward Jeremy McNeil scored on the power play after Grizzlies forward Tyler Chavez Leech was sent to the box for slashing.
As time was winding down on the third period, Revelstoke forward Steven Flust pulled the Grizzlies to with in one at 0:54, but just as quick as the home teams scored the visitors did as well. On a misplayed puck behind the net the Rebels’ Aaron Petten scored his second of the night sealing the deal for Castlegar.
The very next night Revelstoke was in Sicamous where the Grizzlies doubled up the Eagles 6-3.
This match up featured a four-point night for Grizzlies forward Michael Roberts with two goals and two assists and a three-point night for Grizzlies forward Zack Paxman who had three assists.
Grizzlies goaltender, Michael Lenko, made 30 saves on 33 shots.
The Grizzlies now sit at a record of 15-17 and are ranked fifth in the Doug Birks Division of the Okanagan/Shuswap Conference.
Next up for the Grizzlies they have a four game home stand starting with the Chase Heat on Jan. 16 at 7 p.m.