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OT winner evens Grizzlies' series with Powell River

Conference semifinal comes to Victoria Friday and Saturday night

Evan Richardson picked a fine time to score his first goal of the playoffs.

The 16 year old BCHL rookie scored in the second overtime as the Victoria Grizzlies beat the Powell River Kings in 4-3 in Powell River on Wednesday.

After a scoreless first period David Morley and Joel Lowry scored in the second. But the Kings responded to each goal, first on the powerplay from Jon Lutzi, on a Kyle Aschim cross-checking penalty, then from Chad Niddery.

The Kings were without BCHL leading goal scorer Matt Garbowsky, who scored 44 times in the regular season.

Dustin Johnson scored to put the Grizzlies up 3-2 with nine minutes remaining in the third but Justin Bardarson tied it up 72 seconds later on a play by the Hawryluk brothers, Brendan and Bond.

The Grizzlies dominated the play of the first overtime but couldn't capitalize on their chances, including a two-on-one with Lowry and Madison Dias late in the frame. That set the stage for Richardon's winner.

Wednesday's win was an important rebound game for Victoria, who lost the first game 6-2.

The best-of-seven series is now even at 1-1. Games three and four are at 7:10 p.m., Friday and Saturday night at Bear Mountain Arena.