By Ian Holmes

Surging Bucs crown floundering Glacier Kings 10-3

Dec 1, 2016 | 10:31 PM

NANAIMO — The upstart Nanaimo Buccaneers continue their steady rise up the VIJHL standings with a resounding 10-3 win over the Comox Valley Glacier Kings Thursday night at the Nanaimo Ice Centre.

Nanaimo (15-12) had leads of 4-2 and 7-2 at the intermission breaks, as the Bucs close within two points of the Glacier Kings (15-10-0-2). The Buccaneers will more than likely face Comox Valley in the first round of the playoffs.

Danny Pion, Trent Bell and Trey Watson each had two goals. Brady Chin, one goal and two assists, and Pion led the Bucs with three points apiece. Cole Broadhurt, Nolan Richardson and Jayden Schubert also lit the lamp for the Bucs. Nanaimo outshot the Glacier Kings 40-30. The Bucs went 2/9 on the powerplay, while the Glacier Kings went 0/3 with the man advantage.

“When you’re able to role four lines like we are right now with the forward depth that we have, it’s noticeable,” said Bucs’ head coach Dan Lemmon. “When we can finish checks and keep guys well rested – we’re seeing the results of that right now.”

The scorching hot Buccaneers have won five of six games and seven of their last nine. Nanaimo is three games over the .500 mark for the first time this season. John Hawthorne collected the win in goal with a solid 27 save performance. Hawthorne is now an impressive 6-1 in his last seven starts. The Bucs have beaten the Glacier Kings four straight times and have bested them in five of seven meetings this season. The undermanned Icemen dressed three affiliate players and embarked on life without captain Brayden McCartney — the steady defenseman was shipped to the Campbell River Storm this week. The Courtenay based Glacier Kings have lost three games in a row and four of their last five outings.

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Rookie winger Trey Watson, 17, had a breakout game for the Bucs, notching two goals. The Duncan product, who apprenticed with the Nanaimo-based North Island Silvertips of the B.C. Major Midget League for two years, is excited about his development this season.

“It’s a great experience,” said Watson, who conceded it was his first ever interview. “I’ve been playing with a lot of great players who have helped me out. It’s been great.”

Watson notched his first VIJHL goal in Courtenay on Nov. 11 in a 5-3 victory over the Glacier Kings.

He says they played a well-balanced, physical game.

“It’s nice to send a message late in the game and let them know what they’re going to be up against when we meet them in the playoffs,” Watson said.

The Bucs play Comox Valley twice more in the regular season before an almost certain clash in the opening round of the VIJHL playoffs.

Coach Lemmon says Watson’s physical style and vastly improved defensive play have been key in piling up the wins lately.

“I’m glad that he’s found his feet in the league, he’s giving us that depth that we need up front,” said Lemmon of Watson. “He’s a big, strong, physical power forward. He plays the way that I like and he’s getting rewarded for it.”

The Buccaneers visit the Oceanside Generals in Parksville on Saturday night at 7:30. Nanaimo returns home on Thursday evening, Dec. 8 versus Oceanside for a 7:15 puck drop at the Ice Centre.