Wheatcroft’s hat-trick helps Cougars officially clinch a playoff spot with a win over Royals

VICTORIA, B.C. — On the heels of his three point performance on Friday (Feb.24), Chase Wheatcroft delivered again on Saturday (Feb.25) for the Cougars, scoring the overtime goal in a 6-5 victory over the Victoria Royals.

The Royals were off to a great start in the first period, scoring 29 seconds into the frame as Austin Zemiak would tally his third on the season. Hudson Thornton would score his 15th midway through the period to tie the game up at one. The Royals did not stay quiet for long, scoring five minutes later thanks to Justin Kipkie to put the Royals up 2-1 heading into the intermission.

The energy from Victoria was buzzing into the second period, scoring two goals within six minutes to put themselves up 4-1 midway through the frame. And then it was the Cougars turn to score a spree of goals. Ethan Samson would fire his 14th of the season at 11:16 to make it a 4-2 contest. Prince George would strike again 25 seconds later as Villiam Kmec would get his 7th of the campaign to make it a 4-3 game heading into the second intermission.

And then it was Chase Wheatcroft time, scoring his 37th on the year at 11:11 of the third period to tie the game up at four. The Royals would regain their lead once more less than 90 seconds later thanks to Jason Spizawka who tallies his first goal of the campaign to make it 5-4.