While some were wrapping Christmas presents with flair, the Comox Valley Glacier Kings were were wrapping up the first half of their season in style.
The Yetis won a big four-point game 3-2 in overtime over the Nanaimo Buccaneers on Dec. 19 in Courtenay to remain just a point back of second-place Bucs in the North Division of the Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League.
Dylan Sampson scored all three Comox Valley goals, including the winner just 14 seconds into OT to earn first star honours while goalie Zachary Straza made 34 saves to earn second star accolades.
The Icemen led 1-0 after one period and trailed 2-1 after two. Sampson's second of the game at 16:24 of the third forced extra time. Nanaimo out-shot the G-Kings 36-32. Bucs' goalie Greg Maggio was the game's third star. Colton St. John picked up a pair of assists for the Glacier Kings.
The Yetis are now enjoying the VIJHL holiday hiatus. They return to action Friday, Jan. 2 in Campbell River with a 7:30 p.m. start against the North Division leading Storm.
The Storm (28-2-1-3) boast the best record at the break. Their 60 points is one better than South Division leading Victoria Cougars (29-4-1-0). The Icemen are 17-12-1-3 for 38 points while Nanaimo is 18-11-0-3.