Saturday night in Victoria, the UNBC Timberwolves (3-2-1) earned a hard-fought single point in a dramatic 1-1 draw against the Victoria Vikes. Josh Jordan provided the offense for UNBC while Matthew Pearse struck in response for Victoria in the early moments of stoppage time, snatching a point away from near defeat. UNBC goalkeeper Logan Pierce was the star of the night, making nine saves. Pierce's finest stop came off a first-half penalty kick from Connor Legge. Callum Weir had three saves in response for the hosts.

Pierce was called into action early, registering his first notable stop in the 12th minute off Ole Cameron.

UNBC's best chance of the opening half came in the 24th, sparked by a burst of pace from Isaac Tate down the left flank. Tate slipped the ball past a Victoria defender and whipped a threatening delivery into the box that momentarily troubled Callum Weir, but the Vikes' keeper managed to smother the danger before it could turn into a better look on goal.

The match's pivotal moment appeared to arrive in the 38th minute when the Timberwolves were whistled for a foul in their own area during a set-piece scramble. Awarded a penalty, Connor Legge stepped up for a one-on-one with Pierce. Legg struck low and left, but Pierce guessed right, diving full stretch to keep it out and preserve the scoreless draw.

Pierce turned aside seven first-half shots — several of them genuine scoring threats — while at the other end, Weir was tested twice but stood firm for Victoria.

In the 50th minute, the Timberwolves earned an attacking breakthrough. Isaac Tate worked his magic down the left flank, using clever footwork to shake his defender before threading a pinpoint ball across the face of goal. Waiting at the back post was rookie striker Josh Jordan, who made no mistake with the finish, finishing into an open net to give UNBC a 1-0 lead.

With the advantage secured, Pierce stayed locked in. The veteran shot-stopper turned away a pair of close-range efforts from Matthew Pearse in the 66th and 73rd minutes, each time preserving the narrow margin.

But Victoria would not be denied. Deep into stoppage time, Pearse finally broke through, pouncing on a loose rebound inside the box and steering it home with his right foot. The late equalizer — Pearse's second of the season — proved crucial, keeping the Vikes unbeaten and maintaining their four-point cushion over the Timberwolves heading into the fourth week of play.

Up next for UNBC - A home clash with the Saskatchewan Huskies on Friday, September 12.