Merritt Centennials left Hap Parker Arena with two points after defeating the hometown Powell River Kings 5-3 on Friday, December 2.
Both teams scored once in the opening 20 minutes, including the ninth goal of the BC Hockey League (BCHL) season for Kings’ forward Anthony Yu to tie the game 1-1.
The visitors broke the game open in the second period with a trio of goals to lead 4-1, and held on for the win when Powell River cut the deficit to 4-3 in the third period courtesy of goals from Cameron Symons and Jack Blanchett, the latter of whom scored with 1:26 remaining in the game.
Kings pulled goaltender Liam Vanderkooi, who stopped 27 of the 31 shots he faced, in favour of an extra attacker in the last minute of play, but the Centennials scored into the empty net to make the final 5-3.
Powell River hosts Cowichan Valley today (December 3) at 5 pm.
