Jason Cotton's reputation as a clutch scorer only grew Tuesday night in Game 1 of the BCHL playoffs as he tallied the double-overtime winner in a 4-3 West Kelowna Warriors road win over the Penticton Vees.
With Demico Hannoun in the penalty box for a kneeing minor, Cotton scored the game-winner. The Texas native had earlier tallied a big OT winner against Trail in the final week of the regular season.
The Vees led 3-2 after two on a goal late in the second by Lewis Zerter-Gossage. Warriors blueliner Kristian Blumenschein tied the game at the 6:01 mark of the third setting the stage for OT. Scott Patton kicked out 52 saves to earn the victory. West Kelowna leads the series 1-0.
Dan Nachbaur's goal with 1:06 remaining in regulation time was the only tally of the night for either team as the Prince George Spruce Kings downed the host Langley Rivermen 1-0. Jesse Jenks made 27 saves for the goose egg. PG leads the series 1-0
Anthony Latina authored the overtime winner just 3:28 into extra time as the Vernon Vipers defeated the visiting Merritt Centennials 3-2. Thomas Aldworth put the Vipers up 2-1 after two but Gavin Gould's late power-play tally forced overtime. Danny Todosychuk started the game and made 32 saves but Jarrod Schamerhorn had to replace him late. He allowed the tying goal but got the win, making three saves. Vernon leads the series 1-0.
Jake Hand scored twice including the empty-netter to seal the deal in a Chilliwack Chiefs 4-1 win over the Coquitlam Express. Jordan Kawaguchi and Hand put the Chiefs up 2-0 after one and in the third, Kurt Black made it 3-0 before Daniel Fritz got the Express on the board. David Jacobson made 39 saves for the win. Chilliwack leads the series 1-0.
Jake Jackson scored a natural hat trick by the 5:29 mark of the second period and wound up with four goals on the night to pave the way to a 6-1 Nanaimo Clippers win over the visiting Alberni Valley Bulldogs. Anthony Rinaldi made it 6-0 before Chris Schutz got the 'Dogs on the board. Guillaume Decelles made 41 saves for the win. Nanaimo leads the series 1-0.
Stephen Hiff set up three goals and scored one himself as the Powell River Kings downed the host Victoria Grizzlies 7-2. Ross Hnidy made it 2-0 in the second before Brett Gruber got the Grizz on the board. But Brent Lashuk, Nick Halagian with his second and Jarid Lukosevicius tallied in response to all but end it heading to the third. Brett Magnus made 30 saves for the win. Powell River leads the series 1-0.
