Vikes Advance Past Miners in Thriller, Setting up Rematch of 2024 Finals

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The UVIC Vikes erased a 3-0 deficit before recently named BCIHL Top Defenceman Kyle Crewe sealed the win in overtime, sending the Vikes back to the BCIHL Championship Final for a rematch against the VIU Mariners. 

After 20 minutes, the Logan Lake Miners appeared to have control of the game having built a 3-0 lead on goals by Gavin Mattey, Darius Sam and Nathan Ayotte. 

The Vikes would add 3 goals of their own in the 2nd period, scored by Kyle Crewe, Thomas Jenkins, and Ethan Anstey. 

The third period wasn't without controversy, as the Miners scored what appeared to be the go-ahead goal at the midway point, however it was immediately ruled no-goal due to goaltender interference.

The Miners head home having proven they are contenders within the BCIHL ranks this season. 

The BCIHL will crown a champion on Sunday, March 9th at 12:30pm at the Q Centre Arena in Victoria. The Mariners, after repeating as the top regular season team with a 17-1-0-1 record, earned a bye into the final after edging the Vikes 2-1 on Friday. The Mariners went 4-0 against the Vikes in regular season play, led by regular season MVP Ethan Jones. The Vikes and Mariners met in last year's championship final, with the Mariners skating to a 6-2 victory and their first BCIHL championship. The Vikes hold four BCIHL championships dating back to 2007.

The game will air on BCIHL.tv and tickets can be purchased at shop.bcihl.ca