Dunlop's hot streak continues as Islanders take out Eagles at home

Garrett Dunlop scored twice on Saturday night to put the brakes on a brief two-game losing skid and lift Vancouver Island University to a 4-1 home ice victory over Eastern Washington at the Nanaimo Ice Centre.

The Mariners took full control of the game early on as Gage Colpron, Tyler Kerner and Dunlop all scored in a span of five minutes midway through the first period.

The Eagles replied at the 14:28 mark of the second when Brett Mathews beat VIU starter Brett Clark for Eastern's lone goal on the night, but Dunlop put any hopes of a comeback to rest early in the third period when he capitalized on a Mariners power play.

Clark stopped 22 shots to pick up his second victory of the season overall and his first since the departure of former starting netminder Carson Schammerhorn. EWU goaltender Tanner Loucks was relieved by Austin Brihn after VIU's third goal. Brihn stopped 24 shots the rest of the way.

Colpron and linemate Kobe Oishi joined Dunlop in picking up two points on the night, while Spencer Loverock, Liam Cumberbirch and Josh Cook added assists.

With the win, the Mariners restored their seven point lead over Victoria for the fourth and final spot in the BCIHL postseason. The Vikes do hold a game in hand.