The Port Alberni Bombers lost 5-4 in overtime to Campbell River Storm on Saturday night at the Alberni Valley Multiplex, the loss bringing the Bombers slim playoff hopes to an end. Needing to win their final seven regular season games, and hoping the Storm would lose their final seven regular season games, the Bombers came close to extending their chances for another day, but their aspirations were dashed in the space of fifty-eight seconds.
Trailing 3-2 late in the third frame, the Bombers tied the contest on a Chase Pouchnik goal with just over five minutes remaining in regulation time, and then took the lead when Jeremy Gould scored his second goal of the contest with two-and-a-half minutes remaining, only to have the opportunity slip through their fingers.
Noah Spencer scored his second of the night for the Storm with 24 seconds remaining in regulation time, tying the contest at 4-4 and sending the game to overtime, where, thirty-three seconds into extra time, Elliott Turgeon scored to send the visitors home with the victory.
Jaxon Hinchey scored the other Bomber goal, giving the Bombers an early 1-0 lead in front of 391 fans at the Multiplex.
The Storm outshot the Bombers 35-28 on the night. Special teams played a significant role – the Bombers going 0-for-3 with the man-advantage, while the Storm were 1-for-2 on the power play, adding a short-handed marker while the Bombers were on a four-minute power play.
Saturday’s contest was the first of four-in-a-row at home. The Bombers host Comox Valley Glacier Kings on Wednesday night, the contest starting at 7:00 pm at the Multiplex. On Friday the Westshore Wolves are in town in another 7:00 start, and finally, on Family Day, Monday, February 16 the Oceanside Generals will be the opponents in an encounter that starts at 2:00 pm.
Bombers Slim Playoff Hopes Dashed
