Bernier Makes Like Crosby

The only thing missing was the No. 7.

Otherwise everything about Justin Bernier's Friday night looked like Sidney Crosby.

Bernier, wearing number eight on his back while sporting the new Grande Prairie Storm Pittsburgh Penguin throwback blue jerseys, had two goals, including the OT winner, in a 3-2 victory over the visiting Bonnyville Pontiacs in Revolution Arena.

He looked just like Crosby on the game-winner.

It came just 21 seconds into the three-on-three five-minute extra frame after a fortunate bouncing puck found his stick allowing him in alone on Bonnyville netminder Sandro Silvestre. He flipped the puck home, Crosby-like, warding off a Pontiac defender while netting his ninth goal of the season.

The two points moves him to within one (nine goals and 16 assists) of Alberta Junior Hockey League points leader Chris Van Os-Shaw, who has 26 on 16 goals and 10 helpers.

Overtime was forced when the Pontiacs, on the powerplay and with their goaltender on the bench, scored with just 58 seconds remaining in the third to make it 2-1.

Parker Smyth had scored at 8:02 of the third to give the Storm the 2-1 lead. Bernier's first was at 7:04 of the first. Bonnyville responded just 31 seconds later off the stick of Zach Aston.

For his efforts Bernier was chosen the YL Country first star while Storm netminder Charles-Olivier Levesque was second star. Once again the veteran was solid in net while looking at 28 shots. Silvestre, named the Away Star, looked at 36 shot.

Both teams had five powerplays with the Pontiacs getting the only man-advantage goal.

The win keeps the Storm in a solid fourth place in the North Division with 21 points. The Fort McMurray Oil Barons, Spruce Grove Saints and Whitecourt Wolverines all have 25 points tied for first.

The Pontiacs, who finish up the GP doubleheader with a game at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, are in a tie for fifth with the Sherwood Park Crusaders with 15 points.