The Pacific Midget Regional’s Championship series got underway last night with the Vancouver North West Giants hosting the Calgary Buffaloes the Alberta Midget AAA League champions.  The game started just after 7:00 pm in front of capacity crowd at the Burnaby Winter Club. 

After a tentative opening to the game the Buffaloes were able to capitalize on a power play.  After a tic-tack-toe passing play Dylan Nowakowski (Calgary, BC) scored at 9:37 to give the Buffaloes the 1-0 advantage.

After a scoreless second period the Giants came out determined in the third period.  A great cycle play in the Buffaloes zone led to a Victor Newell (Burnaby, BC) marker at 6:52 of the third period.  Malcolm McKinney (West Vancouver, BC) had the only assist on Giants first goal. 

After back and forth action, it was the Buffaloes who would get the upper hand.  At the 13:19 mark of the third Joel Lowry (Calgary, BC) scored to give the Buffaloes the 2-1 lead.  The Giants had a number of great chances late, but were unable to beat the Buffaloes goaltender.  The Buffaloes added an empty net goal late and took game one (1), 3-1.

Eric Williams (Langley, BC) had a great game in net for the Giants finishing with 21 saves.

Game two (2) of the Championship Series is set for tonight at 7:00 pm at the Burnaby Winter Club.  The game tonight will be webcasted on the BC Hockey and Major Midget League website.  Colin Tiggelaar the voice of the Surrey Eagles of the BCHL will be doing the play-by-play announcing.  Pre-game starts at 6:50 pm.

The Game One (1) webcast has been archived on the BC Hockey and Major Midget League website and can be viewed at anytime.

The BC Hockey Major Midget League was established in 2004 to provide elite level 15, 16 and 17 year olds an opportunity to play within their own age group.  Playing at this high level and be developed for the next level of hockey. These teams have an opportunity each year to compete for the National Midget Championship.

For more information about the Major Midget League, please visit the Major Midget League website at http://www.bchockey.net/MML/MML.aspx email midgethockey@bchockey.net .