The Comox Valley Glacier Kings dropped a 4-3 decision in double overtime to the Saanich Braves in Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League action, Jan. 3 in Courtenay.
The Yetis led 2-1 after one period and it was 3-2 after two. After a scoreless third period and first OT session, the visitors pulled out the win on Nick Guerra’s penalty shot at 4:24 of the second OT. It was a tough loss for Marcus Gloss, who kicked out 29 shots only to have to face the league’s leading scorer in the deciding one-on-one showdown. Bryce Schiebel made 27 saves at the other end to earn the win.
First star Jake McKenzie opened the scoring at 14:08 of the first frame to give the home team the lead. Second star Ted Brennan pulled the Braves even on the power play at 18:56, with third star Derick Smith putting the Icemen back in front at 19:39.
Guerra’s first of the game just 22 seconds into the second stanza made it 2-2, then Evan Horvath’s power-play tally at 17:00 gave Saanich their first lead. But it didn’t last long as McKenzie’s second of the game made it 3-3 with 12 seconds left in the period.
Comox Valley out-shot Saanich 8-7 in the third and 8-4 in overtime but could not slip the disc past Schiebel.
The G-Kings return to action tonight (Jan. 5) in Nanaimo against the Buccaneers in a big four-pointer. The teams are tied for second in the North Division, although the Bucs (19-13-0) have a game in hand on the Yetis (17-12-1).
On Saturday, Jan. 7 the North Division leaders, Campbell River Storm, visit the Yetis for a 7:30 p.m. start at Comox Valley Sports Centre Arena #1.
ICE CHIPS Guerra has 59 points through 31 games, including 35 goals … Finn Withey of the Yetis is fifth in league scoring with 41 points (16g, 25a) …
