Game Day; Victoria At Alberni Valley, 7 p.m
The Fitzgerald triplets, Gerry, Myles and Leo, are obviously not as well known as fellow Port Alberni natives Kim Campbell (Canada's 19th and only female Prime Minister), Rick Hansen (the Man in Motion) or even former NHLer Paul Cyr.
But they should draw plenty of attention as they return home for the first time in Victoria Grizzlies' colours as the trio lead the visitors into Weyerhaeuser Arena to face the hometown Alberni Bulldogs tonight.
The way it's gone so far this season, Alberni officials may want to lock their doors to the trio, who have played a major role in three Victoria victories in overtime against their B.C Hockey League Island Division opponents, two of which came in dramatic comebacks.
"It's going to be that much more fun going back to our hometown," said Myles, who had two goals - including the double-overtime winner - and an assist in last Friday's 5-4 come-from-behind thriller in Victoria. "It's a real big game for us and our family, going back to our hometown. We didn't get a chance to play there last season."
That should make parents Janet and Dale, brothers Sheldon, Jamie and Jens and grandparents and friends excited about the chance to watch the three go to work back at home instead of on the road.
"You, for sure, want to win these ones. You get more pumped up playing, knowing your whole family is there and especially having grown up watching the Bulldogs play there," added Myles, who also finished off the Bulldogs in a 5-4 extra-session win in Game 2 of the season back in September.
That was another two-goal and one-assist performance for Myles.
Meanwhile, brother Gerry had three helpers, including the assist on Myles Powell's game-winning goal in a 3-2 OT win back on Oct. 14 in Victoria as the Grizzlies rebounded from a 2-0 deficit to steal two points in that outing.
The bottom line is that the brothers Fitzgerald have collared the Bulldogs this season and are looking for more. Leo has also been instrumental against his hometown team.
"It's going to be exciting for sure, with family and friends there," said Gerry.
"Maybe we can put on a little show, show them what the Grizzlies are all about this year.
"It's the first time this year, and that'll be fun. It's nice being close to home here in Victoria and having more chances to play in Alberni."
The trio has sparked the team throughout the season, having arrived from Prince George in an off-season trade. To date, Myles leads the team with 10 goals and 12 assists in 21 outings, while Leo is next at 10 goals and eight assists in 22 games, and Gerry has eight goals and 10 helpers in all 23 games played.
The three are lethal in overtime in which the ice opens up to 4-on-4 hockey in the first extra session and 3on-3 if a second is required.
"I don't know if it's a fluke, but we've had our chances and capitalized on them, that's for sure," Myles said. "We just hang in there and when our chances come, we capitalize." mannicchiarico@timescolonist.com Twitter/tc_vicsports
