It was 10 days since fans in Olds got to see Grizzlys action on home ice, and the players did not disappoint giving the home crowd something to cheer about posting a 3-2 overtime victory over the Canmore Eagles. The win has given the Grizzlys 5 of the last 6 and vaulted them into a tied for third in the South Division with the Camrose Kodiaks after a dismal 1 – 4 start to the season. The victory on Friday night also put the Grizz up 2 – 0 on the Eagles season series thus far.
Canmore opened the scoring in the first on a shot by Simpson 5:14 into the game, but Olds stormed back four minutes later as Spencer Dorowicz notched his third goal of the season. Both goals came even strength, with the assists on Dorowicz going to linemates Brandon Clowes and Tanner Dunkle. The first period would come to a close all tied up at one’s.
With the Boys in Black and Gold starting with the powerplay in the second, it did not take them long to get to work as Dorowicz popped in his second on the evening 32 seconds into the period. The powerplay marker was assisted by Dunkle and Jordan Lajimodiere. After taking the lead, the Grizz sat back a bit and the feisty Canmore team took advantage with a goal from Phee to square it up at 2 at the 13:42 mark.
Back and forth action would not solve anything for the remainder of the second and all of the third. The two teams were gridlocked at 2 apiece, and were heading into overtime for the Grizzlys second time this season. Overtime was short-lived as the two teams went at each other 3 vs. 3. Hanger skated the puck wide and dished a nice pass to Dunkle who fired it on net. With the rebound laying in front and Hanger driving the net, he made a desperate second effort swipe at the puck and knocked it in the open net to secure the victory.
The victory was rookie goalie, Talor Joseph’s first AJHL win as he stopped 20 of 22 shots. Olds fired 35 shots at Eagle netminder Swabb. Both teams found themselves in the sin bin ten times. Hometown Hero Spencer Dorowicz earned Player of the Game Honor for Olds. The boys jump on the Bus Saturday morning and head north to Camrose for a critical game against the Kodiaks. With a win, Olds can take sole possession of second place in the South. Olds is back home after Thanksgiving Long Weekend to take on the Calgary Canucks Tuesday, Oct. 9. Game time is 7:30pm.