“We’ve got to find a way to push one across the line…” – HC/GM Dan Price
Jesper Vikman made 37 saves for the Vancouver Giants who came from behind to edge the Victoria Royals 2-1 in overtime Friday night on the Island.
Vikman was named the #1 star – Credit: Gord Rufh
Ethan Semeniuk scored the game winner in the extra frame, after Sammy May notched the tying goal in the third, his first in the WHL.
Semenuik notched the OT Winner – Credit: Gord Rufh
Teague Patton had given the Royals a 1-0 lead after 40 minutes with a second period rebound. Robin Sapousek had dangled his way in alone to pick up the primary assist.
“We generated quite a few chances, there were a few posts and (Vikman) made some good saves.”
Victoria out-shot Vancouver 38-22, and Braden Holt help earn a single point with 20 stops.
“We had our chances, didn’t get it done, and now we have to go and win tomorrow.”
The Royals went 0 for 3 on the power play, including a pair of chances in the 3rd period. The Giants went 0 for 2 with the man advantage.
Brayden Schuurman – Credit: Gord Rufh
Victoria saw the return of forward Brayden Schuurman after missing the last 11 games due to injury.
“He really helped in the middle of the ice, helped on draws, power play, some penalty kill as well. A very versatile and impactful addition to the game.”
Luke Rybinski with a big hit on Tyler Thorpe – Credit: Gord Rufh
It was also the Royals Pink in the Rink night, with over 5,000 in attendance.
“Very grateful for all the support from the fans, the guys really fed of that – gave us a lot of energy. We have to get this one back for them in Vancouver.”
With the point, Victoria pulls to within 3 points of the final playoff spot held by Kelowna, who hold 3 games in hand.
“We can’t sit around and feel sorry for ourselves…”
The back half of the home and home resumes Saturday night in Langley at 7pm.
– Marlon Martens
Vancouver Giants 2 (OT) at Victoria Royals 1 – Status: Final OT
Friday, February 10, 2023 – Save-On-Foods Memorial Arena – Victoria, BC
Vancouver 0 0 1 1 – 2
Victoria 0 1 0 0 – 1
1st Period-
No Scoring.
Penalties-Lipinski Van (high sticking), 7:42; Palmieri Van (roughing), 16:43; Newman Vic (roughing), 16:43.
2nd Period-
1, Victoria, Patton 12 (Sapousek, Misskey), 15:01.
Penalties-Almquist Vic (boarding), 8:04; Edwards Vic (hooking), 17:43.
3rd Period-
2, Vancouver, May 1 (Cull, Anderson), 2:55.
Penalties-Lipinski Van (tripping), 7:32; Langkow Van (hooking), 12:34.
OT Period-
3, Vancouver, Semeniuk 11 (Haynes, Gronick), 3:16.
Penalties-No Penalties
Shots on Goal-
Vancouver 4-7-8-3-22.
Victoria 11-12-14-1-38.
Power Play Opportunities-
Vancouver 0 / 2;
Victoria 0 / 3.
Goalies-
Vancouver, Vikman 16-17-0-1 (38 shots-37 saves).
Victoria, Holt 20-18-3-1 (22 shots-20 saves).
A-5,186
Referees-Jeff Ingram (82), Jake Podann (111).
Linesmen-Liam Reid (112), Nathan Van Oosten (115).
