Shootout win keeps VIU alive for second while Selkirk clinches playoff spot

Vancouver Island University kept pace with SFU in the battle for second place in the B.C. Intercollegiate Hockey League standings on Saturday night, topping Selkirk College by a 3-2 score in a shootout at the Nanaimo Ice Centre.

The point from the extra time loss is a big one for the Saints, who clinched fourth place and a playoff spot.

The Mariners took an early two-goal lead on a pair of markers from fourth-year blueliner Seth Schmidt, who scored just 2:14 apart midway through the first period. But Selkirk fought back in the second, as Edward Lindsey drew the Saints within one before tying the game with 17 seconds remaining in the frame.

The teams played a scoreless third period and overtime, leading to a shootout where Kobe Oishi netted the game winner in the fourth round after all seven other shooters had failed to score.

Matt Huber made 28 saves for VIU in regulation and overtime, and four more in the shootout to secure his third victory of the season. Tallon Kramer turned aside 34 shots in the loss.

With the win, the Mariners stay within two points of SFU for second place with two games remaining for each team. VIU hosts UVic on Sunday looking to draw even before SFU hits the road next weekend for an island swing that will bring them to Nanaimo for an important regular season finale next Saturday night.

Selkirk closed out the season with a 7-13-0-4 record and will travel to Langley to face Trinity Western in the first round of the BCIHL playoffs beginning Thursday, March 12th.