The Terrace River Kings finally saw their season winning streak come to an end with a tie versus the Prince Rupert Rampage at the Sportsplex on Jan. 15.
The game went into double overtime, first four-on-four and then three-on-three, before ending in a 3-3 tie.
“It got very intense,” said Ron German, Rampage general manager.
“It was a really good game to watch. Back and forth, good clean game and fast hockey,” said Ross Smith, River Kings general manager.
Neither of the top two Central Interior Hockey League (CIHL) teams were able to score in the first period as they battled for the opening goal.
The scoring only opened up early in the second by River Kings player Colton Braid. However, the Rampage would tie the game one-a-piece three minutes later and end the period up 2-1.
In the third, both teams exchanged goals leaving the visitors up 3-2 until, with five minutes left in the regular time, Lane Perry scored the equalizer to force the double overtime and the ultimate draw.
“Both teams are very equal in every way,” Smith said.
Last time both teams met in Prince Rupert, on Dec. 11, the River Kings walked away with a 2-1 win in overtime.
“Obviously, the two games show that they both went into double overtime and one team can win over the other at any given time,” Smith said.
However, the players who most stood out both sat on the visitor’s bench.
“The Rupert goalie played phenomenal,” Smith said.
“Kieran [Sharpe] was definitely the star of the game,” German said. “Kieran definitely held us in there.”
A new player for the Rupert Rampage and the CIHL, Joel Gage, made a strong first appearance and impressed both sides, scoring two goals.
“He’s really good to watch. Fun player. He’ll be a good addition to the league and, of course, for Rupert,” Smith said.
Despite the tie, Terrace is still undefeated this season and sits comfortably in first place in the CIHL with 19 points. Prince Rupert is in second place with 12 points.
The River Kings have four remaining games in the regular season. Their next matchup is on Jan. 29 at home versus the Nechako Northstars. Terrace then finishes the regular season on the road, visiting Prince Rupert on Feb. 5, Quesnel on Feb. 11 and Williams Lake on Feb. 12.
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Norman Galimski | Journalist
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