Tyler Gyori cashed in the tying goal for Oceanside in the second period of game two of the VIJHL Final. (Gus Galloway Photography)

By Ian Holmes

to catch a predator

Generals hunt down Predators, lead VIJHL final 2-0

Apr 2, 2023 | 12:35 AM

SAANICH — Following a timid first period, the Oceanside Generals rammed the gas pedal and didn’t let up Saturday night in Saanich.

The Generals picked up a well-earned 4-1 win over the Saanich Predators at George Pearkes Recreation Centre, to take a 2-0 series lead in the best-of-seven VIJHL Final.

Oceanside trailed 1-0 on a first period powerplay goal by Predators’ captain Michael Hoekstra, who wired a one-timer past goaltender Ashton Sadauskas.

A much sharper Generals team took to the ice in the second period, where mounted pressure led to a pair of goals late in the period off the sticks of of Tyler Gyori (shorthanded) and Miles Carson.

Third period strikes by Dante Paziuk (powerplay) on a slick individual effort, and Braeden Leary (empty netter) iced the game.

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Generals’ bench boss Dan Lemmon said they simplified their game on the small ice sheet after a hesitant, disjointed opening period.

“I thought we took over in the second period and in the third period we continued establishing the way we want to play and that’s being physical, being simple through the neutral zone and winning loose puck battles,” Lemmon told NanaimoNewsNOW.

Oceanside outshot Saanich 37-30, while the visitors had 18 scoring chances compared to the Predators 11.

A critical sequence in the game occurred in the late stages of the second period when Oceanside took a potentially momentum-busting offensive zone penalty.

Instead of facing a potential 2-0 deficit, a giveaway allowed Generals’ defenceman Brady Van Herk to rush the other way and set up Tyler Gyori’s seventh goal of the post-season.

Carson then netted what turned out to be the game-winning tally on a rebound with just three-tenths of a second left in the period.

Lemmon said Carson battled hard to get in the right position to score.

“It’s timely goals and we’ve had those all playoffs long. I think the experience we have from last season is really paying off. We’re getting key goals in key situations…We finished the game really strong.”

Carson told Generals’ play-by-play man Kyle Ireland that he benefited from a strong shift by his linemates and a smart pinch from the blueline.

“It always feels good to get points and to get wins, there’s nothing better than that,” Carson said.

Following an underwhelming regular season, Carson has emerged as a difference-maker throughout the post-season, including a run of points in five straight games.

The Nanaimo product, who has another year of junior eligibility, has collected four goals and 10 points in nine playoff outings.

Miles Carson celebrates after scoring with under one second left in the second period of game two of the VIJHL Final. (Gus Galloway Photography)

Sadauskas had a strong night in goal for Oceanside making 29 saves, while Dryden Demelo made 33 stops for the hosts.

Both teams were 1-for-4 on the powerplay.

Oceanside has won a remarkable 19 consecutive road games dating back more than four months to November 25.

The Generals and Predators meet up again for game three on Sunday, April 2 at 7 p.m. at Oceanside Place.

Oceanside is expected to continue rotating goaltenders, which would see 16-year-old rookie Matthew Hutchison get the tap on the shoulder in front of what is expected to be another large crowd in Parksville.

Game four happens Tuesday, April 4 back in Saanich at 7:30 p.m.

Oceanside won the series opener 6-2 last Wednesday night.

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ian@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes