By Ian Holmes

Bucs dance with Wolves, win 4-2

Dec 16, 2016 | 11:21 AM

NANAIMO — Nolan Richardson delivered a gift of his own on his 20th birthday at the Nanaimo Ice Centre on Thursday night, as the sizzling-hot Buccaneers (18-12) defeated the Westshore Wolves (12-15-2-1).

The reliable third year centre scored twice, including the eventual game-winning goal early in the third period.

“Two points is two points, I’m just glad we got the win on my birthday,” said Richardson, the game’s first star.

Jacob Carr and Brady Chinn rounded out the scoring for the Bucs who led by scores of 1-0 and 2-1 at the intermission breaks. Nanaimo’s junior ‘B” hockey team has won five straight games and have an impressive 13-3 record since Oct. 21.

Bucs’ Assistant Coach Doug Langlois says while it wasn’t their “A” effort, they did enough to win.

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“We looked a little off, guys were psyched up to play Campbell River last weekend but it ended up getting canceled with the weather,” said Langlois. “Good teams find ways to win when they’re not playing their best.”

The Bucs outshot the Wolves 40-33. Westshore had been playing well coming into Thursday night’s contest, having won six of their previous seven games.

Nanaimo has outscored their opponents 30-10 over the past five home games at The Pirate Ship, all of which have been victories. The Bucs are a difficult team to come-from-behind against — Nanaimo has a 14-2 record when scoring first and are a lights-out 13-0 when leading heading into the third period.

Nanaimo has a two point lead on Comox Valley for second place in the VIJHL’s North Division. The Bucs are in Campbell River on Friday night for a key showdown with the division-leading Storm.

A balanced offensive attack throughout the Bucs’ lineup again served them well. It’s a common theme that Langlois says is critical.

“We can take teams into deeper waters by being able to roll four lines…whereas some teams can only rely on two lines, maybe one.”

Richardson, who centres a hard-working energy line with Jayden Schubert and Cole Broadhurst, says big keys to their success lately have been their skating ability and tenacity.

“We’re using our speed a lot right now, getting pucks in deep and getting hard on the forecheck…we’ve been doing it so well that teams can’t really match it,” said Richardson.

The Buccaneers will hope to beat Campbell River for the first time this season in the unfriendly confines of Rod Brind’Amour arena. Coach Langlois says they’ll need to be ready from the get-go.

“As long as we come out from opening puck drop, not being intimidated by them, willing to go out and do the little extra things, we should be able to come out with the win,” he said.

The Bucs next home game is Thursday, Dec. 22 versus the Saanich Braves at the Nanaimo Ice Centre at 7:15 p.m.

– with files from Kyle Ireland –