Wakaruk lifts Saints to win in marathon shootout vs. Vancouver Island

Selkirk College came from behind to sweep their two-game island road swing with a 5-4 victory over Vancouver Island University that featured a marathon shootout.

A scoreless forst period gave way to a wild second that included six goals. The Mariners jumped out to a lead off tallies from Brett Witala, Gage Colpron and Tanner McKechnie, but the Saints got back on even footing with unanswered goals from Ed Lindsey, Jaiden LaPorte and Blake Sidoni.

Colpron's second of the night on a third period power-play put VIU ahead once again, and it looked like the hosts would squeeze out a win until Lindsey netted a late equalizer with 30 seconds left in regulation and the Saints net empty.

Overtime solved nothing and both teams scored twice in the initial three rounds of the shooutout. But the goalies shut the door from there, with 21 consecutive shooters over 11 rounds being turned away. Finally, Selkirk captain Parker Wakaruk scored in the 14th round to give his team the win.

Tallon Kramer made 35 saves in open play as well as 12 stops in the shootout to record his fourth win of the season. Jeremy Balyk faced 39 shots in the loss.

Lindsey led the way offensively for the visitors with a pair of goal and Jaiden LaPorte scored and added an assist. Brett Witala had a three-point night for VIU, while Colpron scored twice and Seth Schmidt added two assists.

The Mariners are back in action next Friday when they head south to take on the University of Victoria, while Selkirk College has a bye weekend before hosting Trinity Western on November 8 and 9.