The Powell River Kings became the 17th and final team to need overtime or a shootout in the BCHL this season, and made no mistake as the team got a 2/2 performance from Hayden Missler to tee up a 3-2 shootout win over the Vernon Vipers on Friday at the Hap.
A solid start from Powell River, who despite an early disadvantage in shots, had the bulk of the pressure and zone time offensively. The persistence paid off with the first shot from Powell River beating Max Palaga in net for the Vipers. Ben Thomas found Matt Fawcett in front for a one-time shot at the bottom of the circle, Fawcett’s 7th and a 1-0 lead for the Kings through 20. Shots 9-5 Powell River through the first period.
Vernon got on the board late in the 2nd and the game headed into the third tied at 1. The Kings would get the early advantage into the third with Ryan Brushett scoring a go ahead goal on a similar shot to Fawcett’s marker, a one-timer and a 2-1 Powell River lead. The Vipers rolled the dice late in the game by pulling the goaltender and were rewarded with Jagger Williamson left alone to the side of the net to score the equalizer and a 2-2 game through 60.
No score in overtime, and for the first time this season the Kings and Vipers were both headed to a shootout. Hayden Missler stopped Williamson, which allowed Mitch Williams to take the advantage when he scored past Palaga. Missler again came up huge when he stoned the second shooter, Sebastian Streu and Matt Fawcett made no mistake on his attempt, giving the Kings a 3-2 win in a shootout.
The Kings wrap a short two game home stand on Saturday night, hosting the Nanaimo Clippers at 5:00pm.
