On Saturday January 21st, the Port Moody Arena was the setting for the 2012 Pacific Coast Amateur Hockey Associations Midget Scholarship Hockey Tournament Bronze medal Game as the Greater Vancouver Canucks hosted Fraser Valley Oilers.
The Canucks finished the round robin tourney at 2-1 while the Oilers were 0-3.
North Vans Justin McLelland started in net again for the Canucks while the Oilers called on Eric Blower from Ridge Meadows.
Former Vancouver Canuck Darcy Rota was on hand to drop the ceremonial first puck.
The Canucks attacked quickly and dominated possession but the Oilers opened the scoring unassisted on a goal by Grant Murray from Ridge Meadows.
The Canucks struck back quickly off a rebound by North Vans John Dickie.
Then the Oilers stormed back with goals from Coquitlams Robin Batchelor and Grant Murrays second of the game.
Late in the period the Oilers went down two players quickly. The Canucks attacked the zone but Eric Blower closed the door.
The Canucks outshot the Oilers 13-7 but it was 3-1 at the end of the first.
Early in the second both sides got a series of odd man rushes and the Canucks cashed in on a goal from Hollyburns Chris Nakamura to pull within 1.
The Oilers tried to add to their lead but Justin McClelland was not having any of it.
At the end of the second the Canucks had outshot the Oilers 36-15 but it was still 3-2 for the Valley Boys.
The Oilers started the third a man short but killed it off.
Then the Canucks got the equalizer from Vancouvers Alex Vidic on a nifty shot from the top of the circle.
Both side pressed for the go ahead goal and both keepers were outstanding.
The Canucks went down a man late on a penalty to but the defenders hung on. The Canucks outshot the Oilers 47-23 but it was still tied at the end of regulation and headed to a ten minute overtime.
The Canucks poured it on but couldnt beat Eric Blower and it was headed to a second overtime.
In extra extra time, both keepers made some key saves then Ridge Meadows Matthew Charron found the back of the net on a wrap around for the game winner.
The Canucks outshot the Oilers 66-27 but the Oilers took the bronze.
At the post game, Player of the Game honours went to the Canucks Alex Vidic
While netminder Eric Blower got a well deserved nod for his outstanding play.
A $500 Vancouver Canuck Alumni post secondary bursary was awarded to a player from each participating team who exemplified the tourneys spirit of skill and sportsmanship.
Chris Nakamura won the honour for the Canucks while Robin Batchelor was selected from the Oilers.
Final score in double OT: Fraser Valley Oilers 4, Greater Vancouver Canucks 3.
