By Ian Holmes

Bucs head into playoffs on a high after silencing Storm 4-3 in double OT

Feb 21, 2017 | 12:01 PM

NANAIMO — It was a sloppy game that resembled a tryout scrimmage, but the Buccaneers (31-16-0-1) found a way to beat their arch nemisis Campbell River Storm (34-12-0-2) 4-3 in overtime at the Ice Centre Thursday night.

Bill Walters capped a two-goal effort by accepting a beautiful Dylan Hartl pass and snapping a puck past a confused Storm netminder Spencer Deakin at 1:08 of the second overtime period.

Bucs’ assistant coach Spencer Rowe said the game lacked a steady rhythm with a combined 14 affiliate players involved on both sides.

“Some guys are not used to the normal flow of the game and it took a bit to get going,” said Rowe. “We just didn’t start playing our game, it took us about 40 minutes before we finally got there.”

Nolan Richardson had the other two Bucs goals, while Kobe Oishi, Darren Hards and Dawson Frank responded for Campbell River. Nanaimo picked up a 5-5 record versus the Storm in the regular season series. The Bucs finished the season one point clear of fourth place Saanich in the overall standings, which means Nanaimo would have home ice advantage if the two teams were to meet in the league final.

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Cedric LeSieur earned the win in net with a 23 save performance, including an incredible snow angel style stop just seconds before the game-winning goal.

For Walters, the puck seems to be following him around lately and he’s optimistic about his game heading into the playoffs.

“It’s just good for my confidence, that’s the best way to put it,” Walters remarked on what the overtime goal means to him personally.

Walters, a reliable, hard-working second year forward, finished the regular season with eight points in his last four games. He scored seven times and added 13 assists in his last 13 outings. Walters had produced just two goals in the first 28 games of the campaign.

“Billy’s been a horse for us lately,” Rowe said. “It’s nice to see a guy that works hard every night have it pay off for him.”

Walters feels the confidence and tight-knit feel that the Bucs have sets them up well to do some post-season damage.

“We’re a team of brothers, we all love each other,” Walters said. “We’re good against anybody…we’re going to do well in the playoffs, we’re happy where we are.”

Walters and the Bucs host the Comox Valley Glacier Kings in game one of the VIJHL’s North Division semi-final on Thursday night at the Nanaimo Ice Centre at 7:15 p.m.

The best-of-seven game series will see alternating games between Nanaimo and Courtenay.