Ben Poisson made no mistake on a breakaway in double overtime sending the Prince George Spruce Kings to a 4-3 victory over the Mainland Division leading Langley Rivermen on Friday from the Rolling Mix Concrete Arena.
The 18-year-old stole a puck just outside of the Prince George blueline that was bobbled by Langley defenceman Spencer Berry and beat goaltender Braedon Fleming on the blocker side.
“I was going and I heard the crowd starting to cheer and all that stuff and I just looked up and saw I had a little square spot on his blocker, so I just pulled it across and shot there.”
Prince George came out firing offensively enjoying a 3-1 lead for most of the game courtesy of Spencer Chapman, Llayton Ahac and Patrick Cozzi.
Chapman notched his first BCHL goal in the first period giving the Spruce Kings a 2-1 lead after 20 minutes.
“Obviously it is a little late into the season to be getting my first goal but I’m happy to get one, happy to win in overtime as that is a big victory for us against a divisional team.”
Langley finally got their sea legs following a fight between Chays Ruddy and Sean Gulka, leading to a pair of goals from Brendan Budy and Derek Hamelin to tie the contest at 3-3 after regulation.
“It’s frustrating to lose a lead like that when you are ahead for most of the game but they are kind of a back and forth style and they score on momentum and that kind of killed it for us and made us go back to work,” added Poisson.
Prince George is now four points back of Langley for top spot in the Mainland Division.
Evan DeBrouwer made 34 saves in the victory for the Spruce Kings.
Both teams play again Saturday night at 7 p.m. from the RMCA.
-Spruce Kings
