The Surrey Eagles struck first in their Coastal Conference Quarter-Finals series against the Langley Chiefs, taking a 4-3 overtime decision on Friday evening at the Langley Events Centre.
Jordan Sims put the Chiefs ahead midway through the first period with a shorthanded effort, but Surrey fought back with three goals in the second. Mike Krgovich netted the Eagles' first goal 1:52 into the frame and scored again less than five minutes later, while Richard Vanderhoek put the visitors ahead by a pair at 11:34. But Langley stormed back in the third, picking up goals just 46 seconds apart from Colton Beck and Trevor Gerling to force overtime.
Surrey came on strong in the extra frame and eventually scored the winner off the stick of Adam Basford at the 9:48 mark of the first overtime period. Basford was named the game's first star, while Eagles netminder Vinny Lessard stopped 36 shots in a second star effort.
The Chiefs will look to even the series on home ice Saturday night before the series heads to Surrey for games on Monday and Tuesday.
In other Coastal Conference playoff action:
- The Nanaimo Clippers scored a road win and a 1-0 series lead over Victoria with a come-from-behind 3-2 decision at the Bear Mountain Arena. Jordan heywood and Madison Dias had put the home side ahead heading into the third period, but a power-play marker from Brayden Jaw drew the Clippers even before Colton Cyr scored the game winner two minutes later. Loic Boivin made 27 saves in the victory.
- Jordan Grant's first period marker set the tone for his Powell River teammates as the Kings took an early series lead over Cowichan Valley with a 5-2 win on home ice. Grant, who led the Kings with three points on the night, beat Alex Peck on the power-play en route to a 4-0 lead for the hosts. Colten Derickson and Nicholas Wong replied for the Capitals, who were stimied by Josh Watson in net. Daniel Carr, Chad Niddery, Cody Rainaldi and Mat Bodie also tallied in the victory.
All three Coastal Conference series continue with Game Two on Saturday night. Catch all the action on BCHL Web TV Pay-Per-View — Packages for the entire postseason and indlividual series are available.
