SFU escaped with a point, but it was a tough night for the young team as they gave up a three-goal lead in the third period to fall 5-4 in overtime to the Vancouver Island University Mariners.

“We had a really good 40 minutes, to be honest I thought we were playing really well,” said head coach Mark Coletta. “I think maybe we just thought we were going to roll through the third period and win a hockey game, so maybe mentally we checked out, and then all of a sudden you get one against and you’re squeezing your sticks tight.

“Credit to them, they kept coming, they didn’t give up many odd many odd man rushes and we did, maybe we were too loose.”

In the first period, SFU controlled the pace of play and were rewarded with a 2-0 lead with goals by McKullen Astill and Mac Colasimone.

SFU continued to control the pace of play, but VIU cut down the lead to one with a power play goal .

However, 1:30 later, Colasimone restored the two-goal lead with his second of the night. Justin Lee made it a three-goal lead with a slick move to get one past Mariner goalie Jeremy Balyk.

VIU came out with a spark in the third period, beginning the comeback with a power play tally by Seth Schmidt. Garrett Dunlop — who would finish with four points to increase his BCIHL leading total to 12 on the season — and Brett Witala also added goals for VIU in the third.

In overtime, VIU’s Gavin Rauser cleaned up Dunlop’s rebound to cap it off 5-4 in their favour.

Michael Lenko made 26 saves in his first appearance in net this season for SFU. Colasimone led the team in points with three, followed by Trevor Ayre with two.

SFU will have a chance to get back on track with another home game against the University of Victoria Vikes tonight. Puck drop is at 7 pm at the Bill Copeland Sports Centre.

Three Stars:
1st Star: VIU #8 Gavin Rauser (1G, 2A, GWG)
2nd Star: VIU #12 Garrett Dunlop (1G, 3A)
3rd Star: SFU #9 Mac Colasimone (2G, 1A)

AROUND THE BCIHL: Trinity Western University’s offence exploded with a 9-1 win over the University of Victoria. Seven different goal scorers contributed to the effort for TWU. Lucas Mills made 24 saves on 25 shots (.960 SV%). With the win TWU moves to 2-0, while UVic heads to Burnaby with a 2-3-1 record.