The Campbell River Storm dropped their VIJHL series opener against the Victoria Cougars last night at Archie Browning Arena.
After a scoreless first period, the Storm jumped into the lead with an unassisted goal by Brendan deVries at 3:23. The Cougars then scored three unanswered goals, two from Sam McMullen at 7:06 and 13:36 – the latter on the power play – in the second and then another power play goal from Blake Roney at 4:20 in the third period.
The Storm drew within one at 5:35 in the third on deVries' second of the game. But that was as close as they could get.
Three stars of the game were McMullen (first), Graham Zagrodney (second) and deVries (third).
Shots on goal were 36 apiece and in goal was Jack Surgenor for the Storm; Connor Beauchamp for the Cougars.
Game two goes 7:30 p.m. tonight at the Rod Brind'Amour Arena.