The Cowichan Valley Capitals ended a three-game losing streak by knocking off the B.C. Hockey League’s top team on Saturday night, defeating the visiting Prince George Spruce Kings 4-2 at the Island Savings Centre.
Lucas Vanroboys and Paul Selleck got Cowichan up 2-0 in the first period, but Prince George got one back before intermission. Niko Esposito-Selivanov and Selleck then scored just 21 seconds apart midway through the second to put the Caps up 4-1. The Spruce Kings made it interesting with one just 45 seconds into the third, but the Caps held on. Olivier Gauthier, who assisted on both of Selleck’s goals, capped off the scoring with an empty-netter.
Jack Grant earned the win with 33 saves in the Cowichan net, while the Caps outshot the Spruce Kings 39-33. Starter Logan Neaton allowed four goals on 24 shots over 32:41 of work. Backup Keenan Rancier stopped all 14 shots he faced in 25:28 of action.
The Caps went 1-for-5 on the powerplay while killing off all five P.G. opportunities.
Cowichan heads to Powell River for an afternoon game on Sunday. The Caps are on the road for three games next weekend, including a rematch with Prince George.