Kings scored early and then went on to edge the Alberni Bulldogs 3-2 in overtime on Friday night.
Jarryd Leung pulled the trigger on the Teddy Bear Toss that sent hundreds of the furry creatures onto the ice at 5:22.
He drilled a centering pass from close range and it's the only time of the year when the whole team can come off the bench to celebrate.
Considering the 'furrious' effort by Rona and the Kings to gather them up, the bears were tucked in a truck and the game resumed after a five minute delay.
Alberni tied the game at 13:57 on a nice headman pass by Brett Stewart to Mak Barden who fired the puck by Jonah Imoo glove side from the high slot.
Kings went ahead after having themselves a pretty good second period. The go-ahead goal came on the powerplay with Darian Henry in the box for the Dogs for interference.
A full minute into it the puck came back to Rideout who let a hard shot go that was blocked but the rebound came right back to him so he reloaded and let it go again.
Parked in front of the net, Nogard got a piece of the high shot and deflected it by LaCouvee at 15:04.
The one goal lead looked like it might hold up well into the third period but Alberni tied it up by winning a race to a deep puck and the centering pass was put in by Tryg Strand before Imoo could react.
Nothing solved in regulation so into overtime where the King's Keats put on a show. His speed, puck control and determination were key in delivering the pass to Scarth who was on the doorstep and somehow steered the puck by LeCouvee at 2:29.
Jubilant celebration for the Kings who poured off the bench and disappointment for the Dogs who played a terrific game but came up just short. LaCouvee, in particular, played a big role in keeping in team in it making 45 saves on 48 shots.
"He played really well," complimented Keats, "I think we had fourty-some shots but we had to find ways to beat him."
"It's pretty frustrating," explained Keats of the 48-27 shot difference, "but you just have to keep on 'em, pucks on the net and we did that tonight and it paid off in the end."
A really good 60 minute effort by the 'almost' healthy Kings, who were missing Chatham and Ripley, but in the rematch against the Dogs on Saturday at 5:00 P.M. they are going to need it again.
Armitage Mens Wear Three Stars:
1. Luke Nogard
2. Connor LaCouvee
3. Jarryd Leung
