Rockets lose hold of first

Photo: Jon Howe

The Victoria Royals have assumed top spot in the hotly contested BC Division of the Western Hockey League.

The Royals completed a virtual sweep of their two games in the provincial capital with a 4-3 overtime win over the Rockets Saturday.

The result left the Royals a single point up on the Rockets.

Tanner Kaspick scored his second of the night 32:22 into overtime. The power play goal came with Kyle Topping sitting in the box after taking a tripping penalty in overtime.

Twice the Rockets held a one goal lead, but, twice, the Royals battled back to tie the game.

Noah Gregor opened the scoring for Victoria four minutes into the first.

But, back-to-back goals from Kole Lind on a power play and Cal Foote five minutes later gave the Rockets a 2-1 lead after 20 minutes.

Kaspick's first of two late in the second tied it at 2-2.

Connor Bruggen-Cate restored the one-goal lead eight minutes into the third, but Gregor's second two minutes later tied it again, to force overtime.

The Royals, who torched the Rockets for three power play goals on eight chances Friday, picked up two more, including the winner, on six opportunities.

The Rockets were able to score on their only chance with the man advantage.

Griffen Outhouse turned away 33 shots for the win while James Porter faced 38 shots in taking the loss.

The Rockets get one more crack at retaking top spot when they host the Royals at 2 p.m. BC Day Monday at Prospera Place.