Josh Kagan continued his torrid scoring pace to start the BC Hockey League (BCHL) season with a pair of goals against Coquitlam Express on April 9.
The Powell River Kings’ forward forced overtime with two minutes remaining in the third period, then added the game-winning goal 17 seconds into overtime, securing a 5-4 win for his team.
Powell River trailed 1-0 after 20 minutes and 2-1 following period two, with Owen Barrow opening the scoring for the Kings.
Coquitlam opened up a second two-goal lead by capitalizing on a power play at 6:17 of the third period; three minutes later Ben Brunette replied for Powell River, cutting the lead to 3-2. The teams traded goals again, this time over a 90-second span from 13:26 to 14:56, including Ethan Riesterer’s first of the season for the Kings, before Kagan’s heroics late in the period and in the extra frame.
Goaltender Nick Peters stopped 32 of 36 shots to earn the win; his counterpart Jaden Little faced 48 shots in defeat.
Nic Porchetta and Adamo Santia picked up third period assists for Powell River. The other three Kings’ goals were unassisted.
Kagan, who leads the BCHL in goals (eight) and is tied in overall points (nine) with Victoria’s Ellis Rickwood, was named the game’s first star, ahead of Coquitlam forwards Tyler Schleppe (one goal, one assist) and Daniel Juca (two assists).
With the win, Powell River evened its record at two wins and two losses.
Kings return to the ice on April 10 for an afternoon game against Surrey Eagles. Game time at Scotia Barn in Burnaby is 1 pm.
