Langley, BC – The Rivermen fall short losing their second straight game to the Merritt Centennials in as many days and lose their first game at home since October 20th. It was a heartbreaking finish as the Rivermen lost 3-2 in double overtime and now drop to 13-6-1-2 while the Centennials improve to 14-9-1-0 on the season. The Rivermen continue to lead the BCHL Mainland Division, one point over Prince George.
It wasn’t the outcome the Rivermen were looking for as they were seeking redemption after a 2-1 loss in Merritt last night but the Centennials stole the extra point with the double overtime win. For most of the game the Rivermen played from behind, with goaltender Brock Crossthwaite keeping them in the game and giving his team a chance for a comeback. Crossthwaite also earned the third star of the game for his efforts.
The Rivermen found themselves down 1-0 heading into the final period after being out played in the second, where they were outshot 16-8. In the third the Rivermen turned it up a notch, as Captain Mitch McLain tied the game just a few minutes into the period scoring on the power play and giving the Rivermen some life. Then Marcus Vela scored the go ahead goal for the Rivermen, his second goal in as many nights and the Rivermen had their first lead of the game.
It looked like the Rivermen were going to hold on for the victory from there but the Centennials put some pressure on the Rivermen power play and Diego Cuglietta scored a shorthanded goal to tie the game. The game was headed to overtime with the first overtime solving nothing and paving the way for a Gavin Gould goal which gave Merritt the 3-2 win in double overtime.
The Rivermen will try and get back in the win column as they head on the road for two games before returning home to the Langley Events Centre. The first of two road games starts in Surrey on November 11th, followed by a game in Coquitlam on November 15th. The Rivermen’s next home game will be next weekend when they take on the Victoria Grizzlies on November 16, puck drops at 7:15pm.
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