It was a well-deserved point for a tie, not the win the Prince George Spruce Kings so desperately needed.
But despite contrary reports, the Kings still are in playoff contention in the B.C. Hockey League. The Kings tied 2-2 the Penticton Vees Friday night in Penticton to move to within two points of the Quesnel Millionaires, who were thumped 6-0 by the Westside Warriors.
If Prince George beats the Westside Warriors tonight in Westside, and the Millionaires lose in Penticton, the Spruce Kings would temporarily move ahead of the Mills into seventh place, the last playoff position in the Interior Conference. That's based on the fact the Kings would have more wins than Quesnel. The Millionaires would then have to gain at least a point in their game in Vernon Sunday afternoon against the Vipers to reclaim a postseason berth.
Friday in Penticton, Dustin Beairsto of the Kings and Brendan O'Donnell of the Vees exchanged first-period goals. In the second, O'Donnell put Penticton into the lead, a goal that Prince George's Brandon Watson answered at 13:48 of the third period. Overtime solved nothing, and both teams earned a single point.
Prince George goalie Kirk Thompson, who backstopped a 4-2 win Thursday in Merritt, blocked 29 Vees shots to earn second-star honours.
