The Penticton Vees came from behind to defeat the Alberni Valley Bulldogs in a thrilling overtime victory Saturday night.
The Bulldogs jumped ahead to an early lead less than two minutes into the game. Jackson Neidermayer managed to tie the game for the home team in the middle of the second period, but the Bulldogs quickly answered less than a minute later to regain the lead.
The Vees started to trail, and things were looking grim as they took multiple penalties late in the third. But with eight seconds left in the final period Neidermayer put home a lose puck in front of the net for his second of the game to send the game to overtime.
Overtime didn’t last long as Steve Holtz came flying down the wing off the opening face-off and fired home a wrist shot to seal the game 3-2 for the home team.
Head coach Fred Harbinson was pleased with the result but said his team could have played better.
“We took too many penalties and we struggled, but you have to find a way to get a win in those ugly games and we did that tonight,” said Harbinson. “We didn’t want to lose two in a row, especially on home ice with our fans supporting us the way they do.”
On Friday night the Coquitlam Express ended the Vees’ 10-game win streak.
READ MORE: Express end Vees’ win streak
Tonight’s game was hosted at the South Okanagan Events Centre, and the Vees have two more at home just around the corner. Their next is against Wenatchee on Friday, Feb. 21, and the following night they will face them again to close out the regular season.
To report a typo, email: editor@pentictonwesternnews.com.
<>