Vancouver Giants netminder Kelton Pyne made a career-high 46 saves in a 3-2 shootout win over the Penticton Vees, including stopping all three shootout attempts.
Cameron Schmidt scored just five seconds into the first – tying the WHL record for fastest goal to start a game – while Tyus Sparks hit double digits with his 10th goal of the season.
The win was the Giants’ 10th of the season. They now have an overall record of 10-14-1-1. The Vees fall to 11-7-3-3.
Pyne made 37 saves in regulation, plus nine in the 3-on-3 overtime, before going 3-for-3 in the shootout.
Jacob Kvasnicka and Ryden Evers had the goals for the Vees.
“We’re pretty pumped, obviously,” said Giants Assistant Coach Gaelan Patterson.
“The first two periods especially, I thought they were two of our best all year. It’s obviously been a bit of a tough stretch, so to have the guys believe and play that way was outstanding.”
“It was just an incredible performance [from Pyne],” Patterson said. “You could see it in his eyes throughout the game. He was just completely dialled in. He was putting the team on his back to get us the two points. It was awesome to see and we’re so happy for him and the team. He’s a funny character, so when a guy like that plays his heart out, everyone is just all over it.” – Assistant Coach Gaelan Patterson on the performance of goaltender Kelton Pyne
Right off the opening faceoff, Schmidt one-handed the puck past defenceman Callum Stone and skated onto the loose puck at the right circle, quickly snapping it home past the blocker side of goaltender Andrew Reyelts for his 16th goal of the season.
The Vees poured on the pressure in the third period.
Kvasnicka put home a loose puck in front off a rebound to cut the Giants lead in half at the 7:17 mark.
Then with only 1:45 remaining in regulation, Evers one-timed a shot past Pyne off a feed from Kvasnicka to tie the game and send it to overtime.
The Giants had the first possession and first good chance off the stick of Ryan Lin, but after that it was all Vees. Penticton had numerous chances, including several in the final minute alone, but Pyne turned away chance after chance.
In the shootout, Titlbach was the first to score as the third shooter, beating Reyelts with a cheeky chip shot over the blocker.
Pyne then made a save on defenceman Ethan Weber to end the game.
Payne was named first star of the game. Vees outshot Vancouver 48-27.
Next, Giants host the Everett Silvertips this evening for Y2K night and then play a 3-in-3 next weekend.