The Powell River Kings needed overtime, but it was well worth the wait as they defeated the Cowichan Valley Capitals 3-2 in overtime to win the series, four games to two.
Kyle Betts scored 1:12 into the extra frame to help the Kings ice the series. They’ll now face the Island #1 Nanaimo Clippers in the second round.
Capitals’ Jared Domin and Kings’ Tristan Mullin traded goals in the first period, but Powell River got their first lead 11:38 into the second on a goal by Rylan Ball. Adam Osczevski tied it 1:54 later, and the third period was scoreless, setting the stage for Betts’ series-clincher.
Jeff Smith stopped 32 shots in the victory, while Storm Phaneuf’s impressive season ended with a 26-save performance.
The West Kelowna Warriors defeated the Salmon Arm Silverbacks 4-2, also ending their series in six games.
Brett Mennear and Garrett Forster gave the Warriors a 2-0 lead after 20 minutes. Carson Bolduc scored 3:29 into the second, but Jonathan Desbiens made it 3-1, which wound up being the game-winning goal.
Chase Zieky made it 3-2 after 40 minutes, but Kyle Marino’s insurance marker at 11:12 of the third helped the Warriors skate away with the series. Matthew Greenfield made 40 saves to lead West Kelowna to the victory, while Angus Redmond made 28 saves in the loss.
They’ll face the BCHL’s top regular season team, the Interior #1 Penticton Vees in the second round. The Vees had 22 more points than than the Warriors.
