By Ian Holmes

Buccaneers stun Storm with incredible 2-1 overtime win

Jan 18, 2018 | 10:16 PM

NANAIMO — Elation for the Buccanneers (30-7-0-1), while it was heartbreak for the Storm.

The Bucs managed an unprecedented 2-1 overtime victory over visiting Campbell River (27-6-3-1) following two late short-handed goals Thursday night at the Nanaimo Ice Centre.

“We were just happy to get the first one, it looked like one of those nights that you run into a hot goaltender and get shutout in your own building,” an excited Bucs head coach Curtis Toneff told NanaimoNewsNOW post-game.

Mathieu Jallabert notched the game-winner at the 4:20 mark of the first overtime session. He roofed the puck past a sprawling Liam Murphy, who was stellar in goal for the visitors.

“I got it in the slot in my feet, I juggled it then finally got a handle on it,” Jallabert said after Trent Bell passed the puck. “Murphy tried to get back up, then I waited to get that little space up top and tucked it in.”

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The heroics by Jallabert were made possible by a brilliantly executed short-handed 2-on-1 by Brandon Roberge and standout defenceman Dylan Hartl with 1:43 remaining in regulation time.

Hartl accepted a Patrick Kane caliber saucer pass, who then drilled it past an outstretched Murphy from the right circle.

“Roberge was patient, he delayed and delayed drawing a defender to him, then sent a great saucer pass to Hartl,” Tonneff said.

The victory gives Nanaimo a three point lead atop the VIJHL North Divsion and league standing over Campbell River, while the defending league champs have a game in hand.

While Campbell River was outshot 37-28, the Storm managed and defended the game well until the late meltdown.

The Storm came out of the gate blazing.

Dylan McCann snuck into the Bucs slot and fired a sneaky shot low stick side by Bucs netminder Derek Krall just 15 seconds into the game.

Nanaimo was frustrated throughout the game, taking seven penalties, a few of the undisciplined variety.

The teams were a combined 0-for-12 on the powerplay.

The Bucs have a 5-4 edge on the Storm in the season series. The two teams will lock horns one last time in the regular season on Thursday, Feb. 8 at the Pirate Ship in Nanaimo.

Nanaimo and Campbell River could end up being a VIJHL final series, since the North-South divisional playoff structure has been scrapped this season.

The Bucs host the Peninsula Panthers Saturday night (Jan 20) at 7:30 p.m. at the NIC, while Campbell River hosts last place Comox Valley Friday night.

ian@NanaimoNewsNOW.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes