By Ian Holmes

Buccaneers edge Cougars as Nanaimo’s winning streak hits a dozen

Oct 26, 2017 | 11:06 PM

NANAIMO — A familiar face stepped up to help extend the Nanaimo Buccaneers (13-1) winning streak to 12 games after a 3-2 victory over the visiting Victoria Cougars (7-6).

Newly signed 19-year-old forward Billy Walters made his season debut in impressive fashion, scoring two goals and an assist as the Bucs kept a lengthy winning streak alive.

“It’s a good environment and I know I’ve only got two years left so I figured I’d rather have two great years and win a championship,” Walters said after the game.

The Powell River product, who spent the previous two seasons wearing black and yellow, had been working in the interior, but said he couldn’t stay away from the Bucs and jumped at an opportunity to return. Walters had two first period goals, then feathered a beautiful area pass to a streaking Booker Chacalias, whose shorthanded breakaway marker cracked a 2-2 tie with 6:19 left in regulation.

Walters didn’t think he’d be able to step up like he did, noting he hasn’t skated much in several months.

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“I totally didn’t think I’d be able to make this type of an impact, I definitely felt tired out there and definitely felt like I got some bounces.”

Bucs head coach Curtis Toneff said the addition of Walters improves their skill, along with infuses experience and a “team first” attitude.

“An important thing with him is he’s a glue guy in the room, I think anytime you can improve your dressing room you do it.”

The Bucs controlled the play in the first period, dictating the flow and earned a 2-1 lead after 20 minutes. The hosts then got into penalty trouble in the second and third periods, allowing Victoria to gain momentum and eventually tie the game on a Jaden McNulty goal midway through the third frame.

Victoria looked poised to take the game over on several occasions, but Bucs star goaltender Derek Krall rose to the challenge. Krall stoned Cougars sniper Tyler Vanuden, whose one-timer from the right circle was denied in a late second period power play. Krall then made several more key stops during a series of third period Cougar power-plays, which set the stage for Chacalias’ game-winner.

Krall improved his record to 9-0 on the season. He has not allowed more than two goals in a game.

Toneff said while he didn’t like a couple penalties they took, he doesn’t want to discourage their physical style.

“We’ve gotten better for the most part as the season’s gone on and there will be nights where we’ll be in the box more than the other team,” Toneff said. “We have a good penalty kill and a good goalie.”

Victoria went 0-for-5 on the power-play, while the Bucs were 0-for-1.

Nanaimo was without key forwards Mathieu Jallabert and Cam Nickerson. The Bucs also lost defenseman Coleman Doney, who was ejected late in the second period.

The Bucs travel to Parksville Saturday night (Oct. 28) to face the Oceanside Generals.

Nanaimo hosts the Campbell River Storm Thursday, Nov. 2 at 7:15 p.m. in the first of a highly anticipated home-and-home series with their North Division rivals.

ian@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes