Russell's OT goal caps TWU's comeback win on road over Selkirk College

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Trinity Western University scored twice in the third period and then Jamie Russell played the role of overtime hero as the Spartans rallied for a 3-2 win over Selkirk College on Friday at the Castlegar Recreation Centre.

Trailing 2-0 going into the third period, TWU’s Florian Niedermaier sparked the comeback with a power play marker at 13:12 of the final frame. Then, with 1:28 left in the game, TWU blueliner Ryan Bakken scored the equaliser, setting up the chance for Russell’s heroics.

After a few dandy saves in the extra sessions from Aaron Oakley kept TWU alive, Russell buried the winner with 1:54 to play. With his second point of the night, Bakken picked up an assist while Mattias Schmitt also nabbed a helper.

Selkirk’s Ryan Edwards and Cody Bardock scored first period goals for the Saints.

The win improves TWU’s record to 10-5-0-1 while Selkirk falls to 11-4-0-2.

Oakley finished the game with 22 saves on 24 shots, while Selkirk goalie James Prigione was good on 25 of the 28 shots he faced.

“All 20 guys played great,” said Spartans coach Barret Kropf. “It was a great road win, but more importantly a great team win. Our guys battled extremely well."

"We held them to 24 shots and when they did get pucks through, Oakley made some amazing saves. For us, it was just a matter of getting pucks on net and trusting we were going to get a couple of greasy goals to get things going our way. It’s a great confidence win for our guys and we just want to keep this momentum going.”

Edwards opened the scoring at 1:47 of the first period before Bardock doubled Selkirk’s lead at 5:11.

More than 45 minutes passed, including a scoreless second period, before Neidermaier finally broke through for TWU with the extra man. Blair Murphy and PJ Buys  picked up assists on the goal.

Then, inside the final minute and half, Bakken evened the score, with Jamey Kreller and Cody Stephenson adding helpers. That gave Russell the chance to tally the game-winner.

The Spartans will now travel to play Eastern Washington University on Saturday at 7:00 PM.