Michael Schnattinger in action against the Vancouver Giants on Dec. 3, 2022. (photo via Rob Wilton)
Zach Ostapchuk scored the winning goal in the shootout – and had four assists – as the Vancouver Giants beat the Kamloops Blazers 6-5 Saturday night.
The Blazers, who led on four different occasions, picked up three of four points in the home-and-home with Vancouver.
Daylan Kuefler and Matthew Seminoff had the Blazers up 2-0 in the first period before the Giants tied things through Jaden Lipinski and Ty Thorpe, with the latter’s goal coming early in the second period.
Logan Bairos gave Kamloops their second lead before Thorpe brought the Giants back with his second goal of the night leaving the two B.C. Division rivals tied at 3-3 after 40 minutes.
Caedan Bankier and Drew Englot put the visitors ahead on two occasions in a wild four goal third period but the Giants responded through Damian Palmieri and Lipinski’s second of the night, leaving the game tied at 5-5 after regulation.
This is the second time @Caedan_Bankier has put someone through the spin cycle in the last week 🤯🔥🚨 pic.twitter.com/L0nNFgSqHI
— Kamloops Blazers (@blazerhockey) December 4, 2022
Lipinski and Ostapchuk scored for the Giants in the shootout while both Bankier and Logan Stankoven were unable to convert, giving the Giants the extra point.
Michael Schnattinger made 32 saves – including a second period penalty shot from Kyren Gronick – in a losing effort for the Blazers, while Jesper Vikman turned aside 45 shots to take the win.
The Blazers will head to Victoria for games against the Royals on Tuesday and Wednesday. Their next home game will also be against the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Dec. 9.
