It took three overtime periods for the Saanich Braves to emerge as the victors in a gruelling 5-4 victory at Campbell River’s Rod Brind’Amour Arena Tuesday night.
Michael Sproule was the hero, notching the winnner at 10:34 of the third overtime period. That was after scoring two goals in regular time. Saanich got their other goals from Zach Guerra and Sean Ramsay.
Campbell River Storm goals came from Kyle Kaufmann, Jake McKenzie Dawson Frank and Darren Hards. The Home Star of the game was Storm goalie Liam Murphy and the visiting star was Braves goalie Riley Mathieson.
The Storm outshot the Braves 71-48 over five-and-a-half periods.
The win puts Saanich in the lead in the best of seven VIJHl final. Game two goes Friday at 7:30 p.m. in Campbell River.