The Victoria Grizzlies go into the Christmas break as the hottest team in the entire B.C. Hockey League.
Myles Fitzgerald scored three goals — making it five in two games — as the Grizzlies downed the Cowichan Valley Capitals 5-2 on Sunday night at Bear Mountain Arena.
Brody Coulter and Dante Hahn also scored for the Grizzlies, who capped a perfect weekend with three victories in three days.
Fitzgerald was named the first star for the second straight night for his efforts and had seven points over the three-game stretch for the Grizzlies, who do not return to action until Dec. 29, when they entertain Nanaimo.
It was also the 22nd victory of the season for Victoria, one more than the team had all of last season. The Grizzlies are 6-1 in December.
Jesse Neher and Keyler Bruce replied with goals for the visitors.
The game was tied 2-2 after the first period before the Grizzlies struck for two second-period goals, outshooting the Capitals 18-2 over the 20 minutes.
Brady Rouleau returned to the Grizzlies net and stopped 18 shots. Derek Dun faced 46 shots in the Cowichan goal.
Victoria improves to 22-8-0-2 on the season, just one point back of league-leading Penticton, which has played one more game. The Grizzlies now have an eight-point lead on Alberni Valley in the Island Division.
