Matt Needham scored with 1:36 remaining in overtime to lift the Kamloops Blazers to a 4-3 victory over the Prince George Cougars yesterday, Friday, Sept. 12.
The Blazers completed the pre-season with a 4-1-0-0 record.
Kamloops opened the scoring in the second period, with Jake Kryski blocking a shot in his own end and scoring on the resulting breakaway opportunity. The goal came 1:10 into the second period.
The Cougars scored twice to respond, with both goals coming on the power play. Colby McAuley put one past Connor Ingram to tie the game (Ingram stopped 16 of 17 shotes) before Sam Ruopp scored on Cole Kehler to put PG ahead 2-1.
In the third, Blazer defender Patrik Maier tied the game 2-2 with a point shot on the power play.
The Cougars again took the lead with just over six minutes to go in the game, a Brad Morrison marker, but Josh Connolly managed to slip the puck in to tie the game 3-3 with just over a minute remaining in the final frame.
In overtime, with the Blazers on the power play, Kryski set up a one-timer for Deven Sideroff and Needham was there to knock in the rebound.
The Blazers finished the night 3-for-4 on the power play, while the Cougars were 2-for-7. The Cougars outshot the Blazers 30-28.
Kehler turned away 11 of 13 shots in relief of Ingram.
The Blazers begin the regular season on Friday, Sept. 19 against the Victoria Royals. Puck drop slated for 7 p.m. at Interior Savings Centre.
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