The Kimberley Dynamiters edged out a close 4-3 overtime win against the Columbia Rockies on Tuesday night in Invermere.
Nitro rookie Jason Richter scored once and added two assists, while Jared Marchi scored the game winner to help lift his team to the win in the extra frame, dashing the comeback hopes for the Rockies, who tied up the game in the final minute of the third period.
Jeremy Mousseau stood in net for the Dynamiters, stopping 17 shots, while Rockies netminder Stewart Pratt put some work in, turning away 34 pucks.
Despite earning the win, it was the Rockies who struck first on a goal from Racey Red Crow late in the opening frame.
The two teams held each other scoreless in the second period, but Connor Tetlock found the equalizer early in the final period on a powerplay goal.
Richter scored three minutes later and Tyson Klingspohn found the back of the net for a two-goal lead with nine minutes to go.
However, Kellen Marchand cut down the deficit on the man-advantage with just under four minutes left in the game, and Ryan Henderson tied it up with 55 seconds to go.
Marchi scored his second goal of the new campaign and first game-winner of the season to put the Rockies away with three minute left in the overtime period.
The Nitros were given nine powerplay opportunities, capitalizing once, while the Rockies had four chances, converting a single goal.
It’s still early in the season, but the Nitros have jumped to second place, behind the Rockies, who won their first two games against the Golden Rockets in a home and home series.
The Dynamiters will face their divisional and regional powerhouse rivals in the Fernie Ghostriders next Friday at home in the Civic Centre.
The Riders got off to a rough start on the road, dropping a close 2-1 decision to the Princeton Posse and getting blown out 8-1 by the Kelowna Chiefs but ended their trip on a high note with a win over the Sicamous Eagles.
