By Ian Holmes

Storm warning lifted, Bucs jolt Campbell River 5-1

Jan 12, 2017 | 10:05 PM

NANAIMO —  A decisive 5-1 victory for the Buccaneers over the Campbell River Storm at the Nanaimo Ice Centre on Thursday night suddenly sets the stage for what could be a tight race to the top of the VIJHL’s North Division.

The Bucs (22-13) have crept within six points of the Storm (25-9). Nanaimo has 13 games remaining, while the Storm have a game in hand. The North Division heavyweights have three head-to-head encounters remaining.

Bucs’ rookie standout Dawson Heathcote buried two goals on Thursday night, while Trent Bell notched a goal and an assist to lead the Bucs’ offensive attack. John Hawthorne was steady in goal, turning aside 32 shots for the win. The Bucs went one-for-five on the powerplay, while Campbell River’s man advantage was one-for-six.

Bucs’ Head Coach Dan Lemmon says the result was an example of their team’s character shining through.

“There’s a lot more to the game then just skill. I think we have a lot of the other intangibles…we’ve got a room that’s really tight, we’ve got a group that’s disciplined that will take a punch to get on the powerplay,” said Lemmon.

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It was yet another simplistic, tenacious effort that the Bucs relied on, which frustrated the more skilled Storm team all night. The Bucs held leads of 2-1 and 3-1 at the intermission breaks. Campbell River outshot the Buccaneers 33-22, however, the Swordsmen gave up very few odd-man rushes or rebound chances.

Coach Lemmon says Hawthorne was sharp between the pipes once again.

“We got good goaltending when we needed it. John Hawthorne has been playing great for us and he proved again why he’s one of the best goalies in this league.”

Hawhtorne is a stunning 16-5 in his last 21 starts. He’s only allowed more than three goals twice in his last 12 starts.

It was another dominant performance for Trent Bell whose exceptional work ethic and skill-set caused fits for the Storm all night. The 19-year-old Nanoose Bay product had an assist on Brady Chin’s eventual game-winning goal in the first period. Bell then scored an important insurance marker shorthanded 31-seconds into the third frame on a breakaway by sliding a backhand deke through the legs of Storm netminder Chase Anderson.

Bell says they did a great job playing without the puck.

“We try and clog up the neutral zone, have three guys back,” Bell said. “We probably have the strongest group of defenceman in the league, it shows. Their ability to match their (opponents) speed, stop them up, then forwards are able to come back and then go the other way.”

Bell says their third win in a row over Campbell River is another huge confidence builder against a measuring-stick team.

“We’re pretty close in the standings now, it’s not out of reach to win the North,” he said. “It gives us a little more drive to catch them.”

Nanaimo has outscored the Storm 17-7 during the past three meetings. The two clubs meet twice more in Campbell River (Jan. 27 & Feb. 14) and once more in Nanaimo (Feb. 9).

The sizzling-hot Bucs have won 17 of their last 21 games after a sluggish 5-9 record to start the season.

The Bucs travel to Mill Bay on Saturday night to face the Kerry Park Islanders.

Nanaimo’s next home game is versus the South Division leading Victoria Cougars on Thursday, Jan. 21 at 7:15 p.m.