Jujhar Kharia had two assists and Myles Fitzgerald scored the winner as the Prince George Spruce Kings overcame a slow start to defeat the Trail Smoke Eaters 4-3 in overtime.
The Kings (32-19-2-4) fell behind 2-0 early in the second period to the British Columbia Hockey League's basement dwelling Smoke Eaters (11-38-1-6) and trailed 3-2 heading to the final period.
Garrett McMullen beat Kings' goalie Kirk Thompson twice to stake the home team to a lead, but a power-play goal from Jarryd Ten Vaanholt pulled the Kings with one at 2-1.
But the plucky Smoke Eaters were determined to try and spoil the chances of Prince George moving into second place in the Interior Conference as Brent Baltus restored the two-goal lead.
Michael Colantone scored a shorthanded goal with just over three minutes remaining in the middle period and Gerry Fitzgerald tied the game at 3-3 on a power play midway through the final period.
Leo Fitzgerald assisted on both his brothers' goals.
The win moved the Kings into a tie with the Merritt Centennials (31-12-2-6), with both teams having four games left. Prince George wins the tiebreaker with the Centennials due to more wins. The Kings also moved six points ahead of the fourth-place Chilliwack Chiefs (30-22-1-3), who fell 5-1 to Penticton as the Vees (52-3-0-2) won their 40th straight game.
The Spruce Kings will conclude their road trip today in Vernon as the Vipers (27-26-1-2) will be in desperation mode as Prince George can officially eliminate them from the post-season party with a win. Game time is 2 p.m. and can be heard online at www.bchl.ca and then by following the links to the Internet broadcast.
