Tyson Zimmer scored 45 seconds into overtime as the visiting Vernon Vipers capped off a late comeback effort to beat the BCHL-best Penticton Vees 3-2 on Friday, Feb. 7.
Zimmer's winner came after Charlie Kresl and Will Schumacher scored back-to-back goals late in the third period for the Vipers (12-20-6-0), who were trailing 2-0 with just five minutes to play.
Schumacher's tying goal came with one second left in regulation.
Tristan Petersen and Simon Meier scored for Penticton (30-6-3-0), which extended its point streak to 18 games and remains atop the Interior Conference. Will Ingemann made 16 saves.
Vernon goaltender and former Kelowna Rocket Jari Kykkanen stopped 36 shots to record his sixth BCHL win of the campaign.
More than 4,300 people attended Friday's showdown at the South Events Centre as the Vees marked Pink the Rink night in support of anti-bullying advocacy. The home team wore pink jerseys, auctioned off after the game, to support the cause.
Penticton had won the previous three meetings with Vernon this season, with two of them settled by one goal.
Petersen broke a 0-0 deadlock for the Vees at 16:09 of the middle frame after a scoreless first period. The 18-year-old from Denmark has goals in as many games, after signing a deal to join Penticton in January.
Meier doubled down for the Vees at 5:29 of the third period to make it 2-0, before Vernon launched its successful comeback.
The Vees are back in action Saturday, as they visit the second-place Trail Smoke Eaters (28-8-2-1). Puck drop is at 7 p.m.
Vernon, meanwhile, looks to keep the good times rolling as it heads to West Kelowna to battle the Warriors. Puck drop is at 7 p.m.
