LANTZ – Central Kings picked up a thrilling double overtime victory over Northeast Kings Titans in the opening game for the NSSAF Division 2 provincial boys' hockey championship.
At the opening game of the tournament, set for all weekend at the East Hants Sportsplex in Lantz, Colton Balsor put an end to the up-tempo, exciting game by stealing the puck from a Northeast defender and racing in to wire home the game winner with 1:04 left.
His teammates mobbed him in celebration.
Central Kings opened the game’s scoring late in the first when Kohl Bates put it in behind the Titans' goalie. The goal was assisted by Spencer Kennis.
The Northeast Kings Titans lone tally came on the power play when Bryce Dauphinee bulged the twine.
Opening ceremonies took place after the game, and included special greetings from dignitaries and East Hants Warden Jim Smith, who wished all the teams well.
In the second game, West Kings scored first, but it was the HERH Tigers who rallied with eight unanswered goals that led to an 8-2 victory.
Owen Weagle led the charge for the Tigers' offensive explosion with one goal and three assists. Other goal scorers included Sean Morrison, who scored twice, and several singles from Brad Nurse, Adam Hunt, Jake MacRae, Nathan Gates and Tyler Poole.
Assists went to Mitchell Lloyd, Evan Pettipas, Nurse, Kyle Skinner with two, Ben Shields and Jeremy LeDrew.
Kris Martin started the game but was pulled in favour of Kerrigan Allen after surrendering six goals.
Rhylan Morse opened the scoring for West Kings, but then HERH took over scoring eight times. Also scoring for West Kings late in the third was Riley Cook.
Action continues Saturday with the first game at 10 a.m. and runs all day Saturday.
The championship game is set for 1 p.m. on Sunday.
