After watching a 4-0 lead evaporate throughout the second and third periods, former Merritt Centennials forward Brandon Campos helped the UBC Thunderbirds salvage a 5-4 win over the Regina Cougars with an overtime winner on Saturday night.
Campos got UBC's third power-play goal of the game in the extra frame, beating Brant Hilton with a point shot that deflected in off the post.
“Our power play really came through for us and we just found a way to win,” said UBC head coach Milan Dragicevic. “I've told the guys that at this point it's just about finding ways to win and getting two points towards a playoff spot.”
The T-Birds generated lots of traffic in front of the net in the first period which allowed them to jump out to a 3-0 lead in the opening frame. Campos opened the scoring with a top-shelf wrist shot through a screen at 7:25 of the first. Then on a UBC powerplay the 'Birds took advantage of a Regina defender losing his stick, as Alberni Valley Bulldogs grad Tyler Ruel was able to walk in and beat Cougars starting goalie Adam Ward short-side.
Former Penticton Vees netminder Jordan White picked up the win in net after making some key saves throughout the game to slow Regina's momentum as the comeback began. White, a first-year T-Bird, got the start in place of UBC's usual number-one goalie Francois Thuot. He finished with 33 saves on 37 shots.
“Jordan got us the win and he made some big saves tonight,” said Dragicevic. “We are going to need both goalies to be playing well the rest of the season for us to be successful.”
The T-Birds are now 6-11-1 and have pulled into a tie for fifth with Lethbridge. The Cougars fell to 5-10-1 with the loss. UBC is on the road in Manitoba for a two game set against the Bisons next weekend where they will continue to chase a playoff spot, while Regina will look to keep their slim playoff hopes alive at home against Saskatchewan.
