Hopes are still alive for the Abbotsford Pilots, who are attempting to clinch top spot in Harold Brittain Conference in the Pacific Junior Hockey League.
It was a shootout between Abbotsford and Richmond Sockeyes in the PJHL last night.
In the Pilot’s second last game of the season they were unable to hold off the Sockeyes who scored five straight in the third period to finish 8-4.
Abbotsford’s Sahvan Gill opened the scoring last night with his first career goal in the PJHL at 13:50 of the first period.
Richmond responded quickly just over a minute later on a power play goal by Mitchell Newsome.
Pilots’ forward Cameron Obcena brought Abbotsford up 2-1 early in the second period with his fourth point in as many games.
Sockeyes tied the game in a little over a minute, until Jamie Housch gave the Pilots the lead two seconds later with his fourth goal in two games.
Richmond’s Jordan Funk tied the game at 13:18 in the second period.
Abbotsford was unable to bounce back to the lead during the third period.
Sockeyes scored five straight coming from Tyler Andrews, Brett Gelz (2), Funk, and Jacob Keremidschieff.
Pilots’ forward Alexander Beechey scored late in the third period with his first career goal in the PJHL with 13 seconds remaining in the game.
Housch was awarded the game’s third star of the night with his lone goal.
Pilots’ Robert Nawrot stopped 27 of the 35 shots he faced, earning himself the loss.
Abbotsford still have an opportunity to grab first place seed in the Harold Brittain Conference for the PJHL playoffs.
Pilots have to win their last game of the season on Feb. 9 at 7:30 p.m. against the Langley Trappers at MSA Arena to have a chance for the first seed.
Ridge Meadows Flames can clinch first place in the conference with a win in either of their two remaining games.