Not a good 24-hour stretch for the dudes. Sheesh. Your friendly neighbourhood Victoria Blazers were short a handful of guys after playing a tough game the day before in Duncan, but still had every opportunity to notch a win Thursday. Instead, the best dressed team in BC had all kinds of trouble scoring, and managed to let a lead slip away late in the third.
 

In a game lacking a lot of positives, some of the few upsides were the Blazers only took 3 penalties on the night. And Blazers newcomer Devon Wicks notched 2 big goals for the Blazers. Goaltender Rob Wood and the Blazers defense managed to hold the Arrows to only 4 goals until late in the third. However, the Blazers failed to convert on a lengthy 5-on-3, and generally looked out of sync up front. Shooters weren't picking spots, and often had tunnel vision, ripping from far outside instead of finding an open higher percentage scoring chance. Wide open cutters weren't getting the ball, and when they were receiving passes they were often fumbled. Back to the drawing board. And late in the third, the Blazers didn't get it done defensively.

Archie Browning Arena had a great turnout despite the lacklustre Blazers effort. Final attendance counts were reported at somewhere under 400 fans again. And as usual, there were some familiar faces in the stands cheering on the good guys. One of those in attendance was former CFL linebacker and punter, turned one of the most successful coaches in CFL history (5-time Grey Cup winner and 4-time coach of the year), long-time BC Lions head coach and current VP of Football Operations, Wally Buono. When asked to comment on the direction of the Blazers (or lack thereof), Buono said, “I'm sorry, pardon me? Wally Buono, the football guy? No, sorry, I'm not Wally Buono. I'm happy to chat about the game though.” Buono then added, “I think the Blazers have a lot of good pieces. They certainly have potential. It's just a matter of finding guys to fill roles effectively. Some guys are trying to do too much. Other guys aren't doing enough.”
 

The Blazers return to action Thursday June 9, where they face the new and improved Westshore Aces at 7:30 pm. The Aces have been signing all sorts of top talent lately, and are looking better than ever, so it's sure to be another tough test for the good guys. You won't want to miss it – admission is free!

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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

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Compass Electric specializes in commercial, industrial, multi-unit, and single-family residential electrical systems, and is a one-stop electrical contractor with access to the best suppliers and manufacturers in the industry, and electricians who are up-to-date and in the know of all the latest innovations. compasselectric.net (250) 800-2169

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As an Edward Jones financial advisor, there isn’t a better time than now to guide you with a structured, clear portfolio with a time-focused, attainable, achievable goal. Colt Borthwick invests his time to understand your goals before you invest your money, leveraging the strength of Edward Jones tools to reach your long-term goals. Colt Borthwick, Financial Advisor | Edward Jones (250) 391-1308

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Thank you Kelly Green Lawn & Garden Ltd! Reach out to Kelly Green today for all your lawn and garden needs, whether you're dealing with your residential space, or you need help with commercial or strata properties. They've got you covered! Kelly Green Lawn & Garden Ltd (250) 893-6605

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Moon Under Water Brewery & Pub is inspired by centuries of European brewing tradition and propelled by Canadian passion and creativity. Moon Brewery's beautiful German brewhaus allows them to implement challenging brew methods into their processes from step-mashes to decoctions. Visit the Moon Under Water pub & patio on Wing Wednesday, or for brunch! moonunderwater.ca

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TJS Drywall is the official drywaller of the Victoria Blazers! Reach out to TJS Drywall today for your drywall needs, whether it's a small residential project or large commercial one. TJS serves markets all over South Vancouver Island. TJS Drywall (250) 507-1580

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Horizon Signs is the official sign & decal provider of the Victoria Blazers! A family run business, Horizon Signs provides everything form illuminated storefront signs to vehicle graphics, interior signage and decals. Horizon prides itself on fast, friendly and fair service. Horizon Signs has been locally owned and operated since 2007. Call 250-544-4955 or visit horizonsignsltd.ca