Prince Rupert Rampage and Terrace River Kings deadlocked on the ice

The Rupert Rampage and Terrace River Kings, were neck and neck as the two top teams in the CIHL on Jan. 15, drawing 3-3.

The game played in Terrace went into double overtime, first four-on-four and then three-on-three, before ending in the tie.

“It got very intense,” Ron German, Rampage general manager, said.

“It was a really good game to watch. Back and forth, good clean game and fast hockey,” Ross Smith, River Kings general manager, said.

Neither team was able to score in the first period as they battled for the opening goal.

The scoring opened up early in the second period by River Kings player Colton Braid. However, the Rampage would tie the game one-a-piece three minutes later and end the period up another goal 2-1.

In the third, both teams exchanged goals leaving the visitors up 3-2 until, with five minutes left in the regular time, Lane Perry scored the equalizer to force the double overtime and the ultimate draw.

“Both teams are very equal in every way,” Smith said.

When both teams last met in Prince Rupert, on Dec. 11, the River Kings walked away with a 2-1 win in overtime.

“Obviously, the two games show that they both went into double overtime and one team can win over the other at any given time,” Smith said.

However, this time, the players who most stood in the game were both from the Rampage.

“The Rupert goalie played phenomenally,” Smith said.

“Kieran [Sharpe] was definitely the star of the game,” German said. “Kieran definitely held us in there.”

A new player for Rupert Rampage and the CIHL, Joel Gage, made a strong first appearance and impressed both sides, scoring two goals.

“He’s really good to watch. Fun player. He’ll be a good addition to the league and, of course, for Rupert,” Smith said.

The Rampage and River Kings will meet again in the final game of the season in Prince Rupert on Feb. 5.

Next, the Rampage plays the Kitimat Ice Demons, on Jan. 22, for their final away game of the season before ending with three games at home.

Rupert Rampage vs Kitimat Ice Demons, on Jan. 22 — AWAY

Rupert Rampage vs Williams Lake Stampeders, on Jan 29 — HOME

Rupert Rampage vs Quesnel Kangaroos, on Jan. 30 — HOME

Rupert Rampage vs Terrace River Kings, on Feb. 5 — HOME

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