Forty-nine seconds away from celebrating the first B.C. Intercollegiate Hockey League title in program history, the Trinity Western Spartans instead suffered a heartbreaking defeat.
The visiting Victoria Vikes tied the game late and then won it on an overtime power play, prevailing 2-1 on Saturday night at the George Preston Recreation Centre.
The victory tied the best-of-three championship series at one game apiece and forced a third and deciding game tonight (Monday) at the Langley Events Centre.
Spartans head coach Barret Kropf described Saturday night as a range of emotions.
“You’re 49 seconds away from winning a championship and then one of our guys breaks his stick and their guy gets an uncontested shot on net and scores,” he said. “It’s a tough bounce, but that’s the way it is sometimes.”
Brandon Volpe and Braeden Cyra scored for Victoria while Kade Vilio had the lone TWU tally.
Kropf said while the loss stings, his players will find a way to put this behind them as they get to return to their actual home ice at the LEC for game three. Puck drop is 7 p.m.
The Spartans had won game one on Friday in Victoria 5-0 behind a 21-save shutout from Silas Matthys.
Kaleb Denham led the offence with a goal and an assist while Evan Last, Brett Wur, Riley Schmidt and Florian Niedermaier had a goal apiece.