Generals stun Storm again in overtime, take 3-1 series lead

It was the second consecutive game the 17-year-old Groome clutched up with a massive goal

The rookie forward scored with about four minutes left in regulation on Saturday night to force overtime, setting the stage for a Brady Van Herk game-winner and 3-2 Generals win in game three.

Tuesday night’s result in front of nearly 750 fans at Rod Brind’Amour Arena was Oceanside’s third straight triumph after dropping the series opener 2-0 on home ice.

Oceanside had won 27 straight games prior to the game one setback.

The Generals forced overtime with just 2:22 left in regulation when Brady O’Brien converted from the high slot off the post and in past Storm goaltender Nick Peters.

O’Brien was set up beautifully by Van Herk, who played roughly half the game of effective shutdown defending.

Campbell River led the game 2-1 after 20 minutes, while the contest was tied 2-2 heading into what turned out to be a wild third frame.

Oceanside was well positioned early in the third period with a Tyler Gyori goal on a sensational Carter Johnson pass. However, the Storm responded with two quick strikes to take the lead, sending the partisan hometown crowd into a frenzy.

Generals head coach Dan Lemmon told NanaimoNewsNOW it was a huge win on a night where they struggled to consistently establish their game.

“To give ourselves an opportunity to finish game five in Parksville is exactly what we wanted to happen coming down to Campbell River, but the job’s not done.”

Lemmon said managing the puck better and taking fewer penalities will be important moving forward.

While he’s pleased with their ability to come from behind, Lemmon said that’s not a sustainable way to play.

“It’s nice to know that we have that card in our pocket, but that’s something that we need to change if we’re going to be a team that goes on a deep run you need to play with the lead,” Lemmon said. “The last two games we’ve gotten that first goal and given up a goal right after.”

Special teams were a major factor in game four with Campbell River going 3-for-4 with the man advantage, while Oceanside went one-for-four on the powerplay.

Ashton Sadauskas made 28 saves for the victory.

Brayden Ross and Dante Paziuk also scored for Oceanside, while Evan Dyce and Johnson each chipped in with two assists.

Campbell River’s goals came from Kieran Ronan, Dylan Franklyn, Davis Frank and Brady Estabrook.

Matthew Hutchison is expected to start in between the pipes in game five for Oceanside Thursday night at Howie Meeker Arena at 7:15.

Games six and seven, if necessary, would happen on Friday night in Campbell River and Saturday night in Parksville.

In the South Division Final Saanich has a 3-1 series lead on Victoria after the visiting Predators topped the Cougars 3-2 Tuesday night.

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ian@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes

by Ian Holmes

Generals stun Storm again in overtime, take 3-1 series lead

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