By Ian Holmes

Nanaimo Buccaneers electrocute Campbell River Storm 2-1

Sep 14, 2017 | 10:33 PM

NANAIMO — Six days removed from a blowout loss in Campbell River, the Buccaneers (3-1) grinded out a 2-1 victory over their North Division rivals Thursday night at the Nanaimo Ice Centre.

Noah Kelly’s powerplay goal midway through the second period turned out to the game winner as the Bucs relied on a strong goaltending display by Derek Krall.

“Effort-wise and team-wise it was the closest thing to a full sixty (minutes) it just goes to show we can beat a team like that if we do that,” Bucs’ head coach Curtis Toneff said after the uplifting victory.

Luc Wilson opened scored for Nanaimo early in the second period, while Brett Kinley momentarily had the Storm (4-1) tied when he scored six minutes later.

Toneff said Krall, who made 34-saves, was a difference-maker.

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“He’s been all-world, in that Oceanside game he made some saves that I thought won as that game and again tonight. He’s a game for sure, we like our one-two punch (in goal) right now.”

The Storm were surging in the second period and threatened to take the lead late in the frame on a 5-on-3 powerplay, however Krall slammed the door shut with three blockbuster saves.

“I felt good on that kill,” Krall said. “I think the boys got momentum from that bringing it into the third and just took it from there.”

While still under pressure in period three, Nanaimo limited Campbell River’s premier chances late in the game, blocking several shots and clearing rebounds.

“I thought they were doing a really good job, shutting them down, getting sticks in lanes…I got some good looks in the third (period) I saw everything,” Krall added.

The 18-year-old rookie from Nanaimo was named the first star.

A key in the game was special teams, as a typically elite Storm powerplay went 0-for-7, while the Bucs were 1-for-6.

It was a gutsy performance for the Bucs, who were without talented forwards Cam Nickerson and Owen Dalman due to suspensions.

The Bucs were thumped 6-1 last Friday night in Campbell River. The Storm have become the arch rival of the Buccaneers, having ousted the Swordsmen from the North Division Final the past two seasons.

The Buccaneers have the weekend off, but will be participating in the local Terry Fox Run on Sunday at 10 a.m. at Bowen Park.

Nanaimo hosts the Comox Valley Glacier Kings on Thursday, Sept. 21 at 7:15 at the Pirate Ship.

ian@NanaimoNewsNOW.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes