BCHL Playoffs got underway Tuesday with all teams in action.
Jason Cotton’s reputation as a clutch scorer only grew Tuesday night in Game 1 of the BCHL playoffs as he tallied the double-overtime winner in a 4-3 West Kelowna Warriors road win over the Penticton Vees.
The Vees led 3-2 after two on a goal late in the second by Lewis Zerter-Gossage. Warriors blueliner Kristian Blumenschein tied the game at the 6:01 mark of the third setting the stage for OT. Scott Patton kicked out 52 saves to earn the victory.
Anthony Latina authored the overtime winner just 3:28 into extra time as the Vernon Vipers defeated the visiting Merritt Centennials 3-2. Thomas Aldworth put the Vipers up 2-1 after two but Gavin Gould’s late power-play tally forced overtime. Danny Todosychuk started the game and made 32 saves but Jarrod Schamerhorn had to replace him late. He allowed the tying goal but got the win, making three saves.
Jake Hand scored twice including the empty-netter to seal the deal in the Chilliwack Chiefs 4-1 win over the Coquitlam Express. Jake Jackson scored a natural hat trick by the 5:29 mark of the second period and wound up with four goals on the night to pave the way to a 6-1 Nanaimo Clippers win over the visiting Alberni Valley Bulldogs.
Stephen Hiff set up three goals and scored one himself as the Powell River Kings downed the host Victoria Grizzlies 7-2.
Dan Nachbaur’s goal with 1:06 remaining in regulation time was the only tally of the night for either team as the Prince George Spruce Kings downed the host Langley Rivermen 1-0. Jesse Jenks made 27 saves for the goose egg.
Game 2 of the first round of BCHL playoff games were played Wednesday night, but scores were unavailable at press time.