The Prince George Spruce Kings forced overtime Saturday night in Burns Lake, however, it was the Salmon Arm Silverbacks scoring the game-winner 33 seconds into overtime to win 2-1 inside a sold-out Tom Forsyth Memorial Arena.
With the win, both teams now sit with 49 points in the Interior Division standings. The head-to-head record in favour of the Silverbacks puts them in the fourth spot of the division while the Spruce Kings now sit in fifth.
The scoring opened up in the first period with Tristan Allen scoring his sixth of the season. The goal came on the power play after Austin Fraser was sent off for an interference penalty. Nathan Mackie and Ethan Ullrick assisted on the play.
The game stayed 1-0 through to the third period.
Past the midway mark of the period, Colton Cameron put a shot on net from the point. Matthew Tovell made the initial save, however, Luca Primerano collected the rebound and potted a back-handed shot in to tie the game up. The goal marked Primerano’s eighth of the season.
The game remained tied through the rest of regulation, putting the game into overtime.
In overtime, despite Prince George coming up with the first opportunity, the Silverbacks quickly moved the puck in transition and scored the game-winner 33 seconds into the extra frame. CJ Foley scored the game-winning goal.
Matthew Tovell was strong between the pipes for the Silverbacks, turning away 37 of the 38 shots fired his way.
The Spruce Kings and Silverbacks will meet again Sunday afternoon with Game 2 of the BCHL Road Show getting underway at 12:00 p.m.
