Blazer Nation heads back to the drawing board after getting cooked 8-4 by the defending VILL Champion Cowichan Rats. It was close early, with the Blazers and Rats knotted up in a 2-2 tie, but then things really started clicking for Cowichan with 4 goals in the second period. They didn't look back from there.

The Blazers saw excellent defensive efforts from star two-way player Luke Crowther (1A), while Andrew McMillan (2G) and his brother Pat McMillan (2A) once again led the push up front. But when all was said and done, it wasn't enough. Not at either end of the floor, or anywhere in between. The good guys have a good amount of work to do.

Among the sea of fans in attendance at Archie Browning was celebrated actor Yannick Bisson, who plays the character 'Detective Murdoch Mystery' in the hit Canadian show 'Murdoch Mysteries'. We asked him what he thought about the game, and he replied, “There are mysteries everywhere. It's like the episode we did with all the crimes to solve. You have to figure them out somehow. And it's unfortunate when you can't solve the mystery before the episode ends. Sometimes in sports, the game ends. What do you think?”

The Blazers return to action next Thursday May 12 at 7:30 pm @ Archie Browning, when they get a look at talent laden young VILL newcomers the Saanich Express.

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Special thanks to Bin 4 Burger Lounge, the official burger joint of Blazer Nation! Serving up gourmet burgers, Bin 4 plates feature international flavours and local ingredients. From their Greek isles-inspired burger to the red-hot spiciness of The Angry Bull, there’s a burger for your palate, and your wallet. Top it off with housemade aioli, side it with artisan salad or house-spiced potato chips, and wash it down with a local libation, from craft beer to cab merlot. Bin 4 burgers are about what goes in, on, beside, and down with them. You can find multiple Bin 4 locations in the Greater Victoria Area, and also check out their spots in Vancouver and Kelowna! Yum. bin4burgerlounge.com

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Huge thanks to HUB International, official insurance provider of the Victoria Blazers! The Blazers love to score goals. HUB advises businesses and individuals on how to reach their goals. When you partner with HUB, you’re at the center of a vast network of risk, insurance, employee benefits, retirement and wealth management specialists that bring clarity to a changing world with tailored solutions and unrelenting advocacy. So you’re ready for tomorrow. Visit HUB's local insurance offices in Victoria, or one of their 8 offices throughout Vancouver Island. You can also find HUB online at hubinternational.com

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Much love to Master Care Janitorial & Facility Services, the official Janitorial & Facility Services provider of the Blazers! Master Care partners offer a combined 60 years of proven experience in the janitorial, office cleaning and building maintenance industries. To request a free quote with no obligations, call Master Care at 250-590-5970, email info@adaxmanagement.com, or check out their website at janitorialservicesvictoria.com.

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Primo Lacrosse is the official lacrosse equipment provider of the Victoria Blazers! Primo utilizes high quality materials, advanced manufacturing techniques, and a direct to consumer business model to bring you the highest quality at the lowest possible price. Today, Primo continues to innovate and raise the bar to bring the best highest tech & quality lacrosse shafts to the market, and they offer the best warranty in the biz! Find them on Instagram at @primolaxcanada for Canadian team sales! Their 'Obsidian' shafts rock. primolacrosse.com

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Family owned and operated, Northern Star Plumbing / Gas / Service is your plumbing and gas specialist serving the Greater Victoria Area! Since 2001, home and business owners across southern Vancouver Island and area have counted on Northern Star for tried-and-true plumbing and gas work at fair prices. Contact Northern Star Plumbing / Gas / Service today! Victoria: 250-883-4347 / Sooke: 250-642-4499 / Email: northernstarplumbing@outlook.com / Web: northernstarplumbing.ca

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Locally owned and operated, Tudor House Liquor Store is the perfect stop for beer, wine, spirits, coolers + ciders in Esquimalt and the official liquor store of the Victoria Blazers. Price match guaranteed, and local delivery available! Find Tudor House Liquor Store right down the street from our home at Archie Browning Arena, at 533 Admirals Road. Drink responsibly. Don't drink and drive.

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Esquimalt Roasting Company is the official coffee provider of the Victoria Blazers! Nestled in the heart of Esquimalt, Esquimalt Roasting Company provides customers with locally roasted coffee excellence. ERC is a small batch, "specialty coffee" roastery that endeavours to provide the freshest coffee available to its valued customers. Find the ERC team on site and hard at work in their new neighbourhood micro roastery. Visit in person for your supply of beans and a taste of what’s in store when their cafe begins operations in Esquimalt’s new Town Square. Free local delivery! esquimaltroasting.com

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Big thanks to The Graphite Group Chartered Professional Accountants for your support! The Graphite Group offers taxation, accounting and business advisory services to meet your needs. The Graphite Group | CPAs graphitegroupcpa.com (250) 472-3211