Despite building up 2-0 and 3-1 leads, the Prince George Spruce Kings were forced to go to a shootout against the Coquitlam Express winning a 4-3 decision on Friday in front of 1,307 fans at the Rolling Mix Concrete Arena.
Dustin Manz and Patrick Cozzi scored all three Spruce Kings goals past Express netminder Kolby Matthews who made 29 saves on 32 shots.
For Coquitlam, it was a game of opportunity as they found a way to score timely goals against Spruce Kings netminder Logan Neaton courtesy of Ty Westgard, Dallas Farrell and Jordan Schulting – who’s wild slap shot over the shoulder side forced the game to extra time.
Even with an abundance of open ice, three-on-three overtime proved to be a stalemate leading to a shootout where 17-year-old defenceman Nick Bochen was the lone hero.
Prince George improves to 28-12-1-5 on the season but remain five points back of the Chilliwack Chiefs for top spot in the Mainland Division after the Chiefs beat the Merritt Centennials on Friday 3-2 in overtime.
Game two of the double header goes tonight at 7pm from the RMCA.
