Photo credit: Wayne Alexander Beaton
“Critical errors, definitely infuriating, we have to make sure we correct those…” HC/GM Dan Price.
Cougars forward Chase Wheatcroft scored the game winner in overtime to complete the comeback on a hat trick and four point night, as Prince George got past their host Victoria Royals 6-5 on Saturday night.
Victoria held period leads of 2-1 and 4-3 and even held a 4-1 lead midway through the middle frame before Prince George rallied.
Up 5-4 in the third, the Royals kept the pedal to the metal, but mistakes proved costly.
“The effort was there, nobody backed off, nobody tried to melt the clock – but three critical errors resulted in three goals against…”
Wheatcroft scored the last 3 goals of the game for the Cougars, and now has 39 on the season.
Of the 11 goals total scored in the game, 7 came off the stick of defenseman.
“It’s something that we’ve been working on as a team for a long time, something that’s missing from our game.”
Royals got a pair of goals from rearguard Justin Kipkie, Austin Zemlak and Jason Spizawka.
“I think (Kipkie) is an NHL draft this year, for sure…him and (Kalem) Parker both.”
Forward Teydon Trembecky had the Gordie Howe hat trick. Teague Patton added two assists.
The Cougars out shot their opponents 44-34, with Ty Young earning the win, and Braden Holt valiant helping to secure a point for the Royals.
Victoria now trails Kelowna by 8 points for the final playoff spot in the West. The Royals have 10 games remaining, and the Rockets hold 3 games in hand.
Victoria was without their leading scorer Jake Poole, Captain and top defenseman Gannon Laroque, physical forward Reggie Newman and skilled and speedy forward Marcus Almquist.
“Even though there’s a lot of guys out, there’s enough ability, depth, ability and enough everything in the room to win this game and every game…”
Prince George now leads the season series 5-0. They have 4 more meetings.
Up next Victoria hosts Tyler Palmer and the Everett Silvertips Sunday afternoon at 3 pm. The two clubs haven’t met since October 2nd, where now Royal netminder posted a 28 save shut out in a 4-0 win in Everett.
– Marlon Martens