Cote scores winner late in third as the Royals beat the Cougars 3-2

VICTORIA – Brett Cote scored the game winner with just under three minutes left in the third period as the host Victoria Royals downed the Prince George Cougars 3-2 in Western Hockey League action on Saturday night.

Ben Walker added two goals for the Royals (13-12-0).

Raymond Grewal and Jarrett Fontaine scored for the Cougars (9-12-4).

Patrik Polivka made 31 saves for the win as Brett Zarowny stopped 25 shots in a losing cause.

Victoria failed to score on its only chance with the man advantage while Prince George went 1-for-6 on the power play.

Grewal opened the scoring 6:20 into the first period on a quick one-timer from the slot while on the power play.

Walker spun around at the hash marks and slid a low one past Zarowny to tie the game just over four minutes later.

The Royals took a 2-1 lead when Walker converted a dangerous three-on-two rush for his second goal of the period.

The Cougars evened the game at 2-2 on a goal-mouth scramble that was finished off by Fontaine.

Cote scored the winner on a low point shot through a mess of bodies to give the Royals the victory in the second night of a doubleheader. Victoria and Prince George split the back-to-back games.