The Chilliwack Chiefs had to earn their money on Friday night after escaping with a 6-5 overtime victory against the Prince George Spruce Kings.
In a potential playoff preview, Prince George jumped out to a 3-1 lead after the first period courtesy of Jarod Hovde, Ben Brar and local product Rob Raju who scored his first BCHL goal after being called up from Junior B.
Will Claverley potted his 8th of the season to keep Chilliwack within a pair of goals.
The tide turned in the middle frame when the Chiefs exploded with a four goal barrage.
Kale Kane began the parade tucking home a feed from Jordan Kawaguchi on the power-play.
Chilliwack potted three more later in the period from Claverley, Ben Fanjoy, and Connor McCarthy.
Tyler Anderson replied for the Spruce Kings making the score 5-4 after 40 minutes.
Prince George dug deep late in the third period when Brar lit the lamp for the second time in the game to even up the score at 5 after regulation.
The Spruce Kings were unable to complete the comeback when Kane also recorded his second goal at 1:35 of double-overtime.
20-year old forward Brett Mennear had three assists in the loss.
Prince George outshot Chilliwack 53-37.
Both teams play again tonight (Saturday) at 7 o’clock from the Rolling Mix Concrete Arena.
BCHL Scoreboard:
– Coquitlam Express 6 Cowichan Valley Capitals 3
– Powell River Kings 8 Nanaimo Clippers 0
– Merritt Centennials 3 Penticton Vees 2
– Salmon Arm Silverbacks 3 Vernon Vipers 3
– Wenatchee Wild 4 Alberni Valley Bulldogs 1
– West Kelowna Warriors 5 Surrey Eagles 2
– Langley Rivermen 6 Trail Smoke Eaters 3