The Langley Chiefs and Nanaimo Clippers both punched their tickets to the second round of the Fred Page Cup playoffs on Friday night, defeating Surrey and Victoria respectively in a pair of Game 6 clashes.
In the Lower Mainland, Langley advanced past the Eagles with an overtime victory at the South Surrey Arena. Mac Roy's winner at 11:02 of overtime completed a Chiefs comeback after the visitors tied the game with just 29 seconds remaining in regulation.
Colten Hayes had opened the scoring just 23 seconds into the first period, but Surrey tied the game with just moments remaining before regulation when Adam Basford connected on an Eagles power-play. Chris Santiago gave Surrey the lead midway through the second on another man-advantage opportunity, but Josh Myers evened the game late to set up overtime and Roy ended the series.
With the victory, the Chiefs will now travel to Powell River to begin their second round series against the Kings on Tuesdya evening.
Meanwhile, the Nanaimo Clippers completed a first-round upset over third-seeded Victoria with a 3-2 victory at the Frank Crane Arena. Dustin Mowrey had scored to give the Grizzlies a brief first period lead, but Nanaimo then picked up goals from Bryaden Jaw and Luc Olivier Blain before intermission and an insure marker from Cody Bremner midway through the second frame.
Nick Buchanan scored shorthanded to draw Victoria within a goal with less than two minutes remaining in regulation, but the Clippers held on for the win and a six-game series win. Netminder Loic Boivin turned aside 29 shots in a first-star performance for Nanaimo.
The Coast's sixth seed now advances to face the Alberni Valley Bulldogs for a spot in the Coastal Conference Finals. The second round series begins on Tuesday evening in Alberni Valley.
