KAMLOOPS — The Kamloops Blazers (17-14-3-1) were edged by one goal for the third straight game as they lost 3-2 to the Victoria Royals (23-12-1-2).
The Royals dominated the Blazers in the first period, outworking and outshooting the Blazers 22-8 in the period.
Vladimir Bobylev got the game’s first goal on an odd play. He took a shot from the slot that was blocked by defenseman Luke Zazula. The puck went up in the air and landed behind goaltender Connor Ingram as the Royals had a 1-0 lead.
Ryan Peckford scored about two minutes later on a pass from Ethan Price and the Royals led 2-0 only 6:45 into the game.
Connor Ingram was terrific for the Blazers stopping a ton of great chances in the first period.
The Blazers fourth line was likely its best in the period and they were rewarded with a goal.
Erik Miller and Spencer Bast combined for the assists and Jermaine Loewen scored on a hard shot from the slot for his fourth goal of the season.
The Blazers trailed 2-1 through the first period.
It was a better second period for the Blazers as they tied the game up 5:17 into the frame.
Jake Kryski took a pass from Deven Sideroff and made a nifty backhand that beat goaltender Coleman Vollrath on the glove side to tie the game at 2-2.
The Royals came back and took the lead about three minutes later. Dante Hannoun showed patience and skill as he slid a pass to Matthew Phillips who roofed a shot over Ingram for his 19th of the season and a 3-2 Royals lead.
The Royals took the 3-2 lead into the final period.
The Blazers had a strong third period as they outshot the Royals 18-8.
There were a lot of chances for the Blazers to tie the game, but the Royals defended well and hung on for a 3-2 win.
Final shots on goal were 43-38 for the Royals. The Blazers were 0-for-3 on the power play, and the Royals were 0-for-2.
These two teams will practice tomorrow and play again in Kamloops on Friday, January 1 at 2:00pm.
