The Prince George Spruce Kings are not willing to let their slim playoff hopes die.
They gave it all they had against the top team in the BCHL's Interior Conference and gained a point for their efforts.
Although the Spruce Kings lost 5-4 in overtime to the Vernon Vipers, they did pick up a point for the overtime loss, moving within four points of the Quesnel Millionaires for the seventh and final Interior playoff position. The Mills lost 4-3 Friday in Trail.
John Knisley scored 1:45 into the first overtime period, his second of the game, to seal the win for the Vipers, after the plucky Kings had tied it 4-4 with 54 seconds left in regulation time on a goal by Stephen Ryan.
Patrick McGillis, David Robinson, and Steven Weinstein also scored for Vernon. Kings defenceman Ben Woodley scored twice, and Dustin Beairsto fired a single.
The win solidified the Vipers' hold on first place in the Interior Conference, improving their record to 29-10-4-8. The Spruce Kings (11-36-0-4) remain last-overall in the BCHL. The Kings are in Salmon Arm tonight, then travel to Merritt Sunday afternoon.
