The Reign were headed to a lopsided win, taking a 5-0 lead through two periods, before Victoria made it look somewhat respectable on the final scoreboard.

In reality, the Reign looked as dominant, for at least the first 50 minutes, as they had all year. Their 52 shots on goal were a season high, and Geoff Walker notched the first hat trick in team (and CBBA) history. (Walker was given credit for the Reign’s first goal, then had it taken away upon review, then was given it back upon further review.)

It was Walker’s first game back since he sustained a concussion on Feb. 13, which he said was his second in as many years, “but worse than the first.” He had some gnarly symptoms, which are discussed in tomorrow’s editions. The best side effect? His legs were fresher than his teammates’ tonight, as were those of Ryan MacGregor, who was a healthy scratch last night against Alaska.

Victoria was just as tired, probably more so than the Reign; the Salmon Kings have been on the road for about a month and this was their eighth straight road game (Side note: They got kicked out of their home arena for a curling competition. Only in Canada.)

Jon Rheault and P.J. Atherton had the other goals, and Kellen Briggs made 30 saves. Your final scoresheet is here.

David Walker (hand) and Mike Howe (flu) were scratched, while Todd Jackson exchanged places with Walker on 3-day IR with an undisclosed injury.