By Ian Holmes

Buccaneers stay hot, discharge Generals 6-1

Dec 9, 2016 | 5:27 PM

NANAIMO — The Buccaneers continue piling up the wins after drubbing the Oceanside Generals 6-1 in VIJHL regular season action at the Nanaimo Ice Centre on Thursday night.

The Bucs (17-12) got two goals apiece from Cam Nickerson and Dawson Heathcote, while Jayden Schubert and Patrick Poets added singles. Topher Harding scored the lone goal for the slumping Generals (6-20-0-1).

Nanaimo is now tied with Comox Valley for second place in the VIJHL’s North Division with 34 points.

“We had guys step up when they needed to in this game, it’s been that way for us in the last 15 games, we’re getting contributions from everybody,” said Bucs’ head coach Dan Lemmon.

Nanaimo had a huge game in the special teams department with a pair of power-play and shorthanded goals. The hosts led 2-1 and 5-1 at the intermission breaks. The red-hot Bucs have a 12-3 record since October 21st. Nanaimo has also established a strong home ice presence, having won seven of the past eight outings at the Ice Centre.

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John Hawthorne made 29 saves for the win for his seventh victory in the last eight games. Hawthorne’s impressive rookie season continues – he has a 13-6 record with a 2.96 GAA and .905 save percentage.

Lemmon credits their team depth at all positions as a big reason why they’re excelling right now.

“It’s also our leadership and how tight of a group this team is…you can tell in the dressing room how much fun the guys are having,” said Lemmon. “It’s a special group to be a part of right now, we’re on a hot run and hopefully we can continue it.”

Jayden Schubert was named the games’ first star with a one-goal, one-assist performance. Schubert handled left wing duties on a new-look line alongside Dawson Heathcote and centre Chad Bell. Schubert, 19, is enjoying the responsibility of an increased role in helping the team succeed this season.

“A little more ice time always helps, you get yourself into the game,” said Schubert on his personal development. “It’s definitely a mind-game sometimes, that’s always been a trick for me. This year I’ve just been able to go out with a clear mind.”

Schubert has nine goals and 18 points in 29 games this season. He managed five goals and 10 points while suiting up 43 times in his rookie campaign last season.

Lemmon says Schubert has indeed elevated his game this season.

“Schuby’s been one of those guys who’s really stepped up this year,” said Lemmon. He says Schubert is among their group of second year forwards who have increased their productivity to help balance out their lineup.

The Buccaneers had a big showdown scheduled with the first place in Campbell River versus the Storm on Friday night, however a sizable dump of snow postponed the game. Nanaimo’s next contest is on Thursday, Dec. 15 versus the Westshore Wolves at the Nanaimo Ice Centre at 7:15 p.m.