By: Garrett Fabris

Heading into this series, the Blazers have won the team’s last four games, while the Outlaws were looking for the team’s first win since November 14th. To start tonight’s game, the Blazers were able to come out and score first. During the only goal of the period, Justin Sullivan located Sam Vizenor, who then found the back of the net. This goal was then followed by the Blazers’ first annual teddy bear toss.

To start the second period, the Blazers had the narrow 1 – 0 lead over the Outlaws. The Outlaws were able to tie the game at one goal apiece thanks to Payton Okon, but that tie would be short lived. After the Outlaws scored the team’s first goal, the Blazers were able to retake the lead, and then extend the team’s lead. Karsen DeRego scored first for the Blazers, which was then followed up by a goal from Dylan Ryan.

After the second period, and at the start of the third period, the Blazers did not show any signs of slowing down. The Blazers scored an additional three goals to secure the win over the Outlaws. DeRego was able to record his second goal of the night during the third period. DeRego’s goal was then followed by two goals from both Brett Hanson and Simeon Smith.

This three-goal period to conclude play pushed the Blazers to a 6 – 1 victory over the Outlaws.

Phil Carron, the Blazers’ assistant coach, commented on his team’s performance, and said, “we battled tonight. We didn’t really show up in the first or second period, but we battled. Then in the third period we came out and were able to come out on top.”

Geno McCue, who is the Outlaws’ head coach, discussed his views on his team’s performance tonight. He said, “Bellingham played a good, solid game. We had opportunities to score, we also had some good looks, and we didn’t get it in the net. Despite the loss, we had a good game. We had a short bench tonight, but the boys played well. They gave all of their effort, and I have no complaints about how my boys played tonight.”