SAN DIEGO — Wes Berg scored the go-ahead goal with 1:20 remaining in the fourth quarter, snapping a 17-minute, 23-second scoring drought and leading the San Diego Seals to a 13-11 victory over the Vancouver Warriors on Friday night at Pechanga Arena.
Berg, who finished with a game-high four goals, helped the Seals avenge a Week 7 loss to Vancouver. Rob Hellyer sealed the win with a goal in the final 37.5 seconds.
San Diego led 4-3 after the first quarter. Berg opened the scoring just 25 seconds in and later added a power-play goal. Ryan Benesch also found the net, beating Vancouver goalie Aden Walsh through the five-hole.
The Seals extended their lead with a five-goal second quarter, taking an 8-7 advantage into halftime. Zach Currier’s backhanded goal 38 seconds into the period started the scoring. Dylan Watson followed 46 seconds later, rebounding his own miss to put the Seals ahead 5-4.
Vancouver responded with three straight goals in a span of 2:16 before San Diego countered with a three-goal run, including Berg’s third of the night. Hellyer assisted on five of the Seals’ first eight goals.
San Diego dominated the third quarter, outscoring the Warriors 3-0 to take an 11-7 lead. Tre Leclaire capitalized on a loose ball for a scoop-and-score, while Hellyer and Benesch each netted power-play goals. Benesch completed his hat trick with the final goal of the period.
Vancouver answered in the fourth, scoring four consecutive goals over the first 5:08 to tie the game at 11-11. However, Seals goaltender Chris Origlieri stepped up late, holding the Warriors scoreless for the final 9:52.
Berg broke the tie with his fourth goal of the night at the 1:20 mark, and Hellyer’s late goal secured San Diego’s victory.
The win evens the Seals’ record at 6-6, while Vancouver drops to 5-7. San Diego returns to Pechanga Arena on Sunday, March 16, for a 1:30 p.m. faceoff against the Las Vegas Desert Dogs.
