Chris Klack was clicking well with his Penticton Vees teammates Saturday in Penticton.
Too well, as far as the Prince George Spruce Kings were concerned.
The 19-year-old native of Georgetown, Ont. scored two goals, including the gamewinner 17:05 into the third period, and also drew an assist to beat the visiting Spruce Kings 3-2.
Down by two goals, the Kings pulled goalie Stefan Wornig with 1:36 left in the third period and managed to score with their net empty, but it was too little too late. Connor Russell’s sixth goal of the season came with just seven seconds left.
Kings centre Kyle Johnson opened the scoring 1:08 into the game, the only goal of the first period. Klack and Duncan Campbell each scored in the second period to put the Vees ahead.
The shot count favoured the Kings, 24-23.
Mathew Robson made 21 saves to notch the victory in the Vees nets. The Vees (17-3-0-0) remained first in the Interior Division and still have the league’s best record. Despite the loss, the Spruce Kings (8-10-0-2) remained third in the Mainland Division, two points ahead of Langley.
It was the second defeat this weekend on the B.C. Hockey League road for the Spruce Kings, who lost 4-3 the Trail Smoke Eaters on Friday. The Kings will be in West Kelowna Sunday afternoon to face the Warriors.
