Friday the 6th day of 2017 saw the Osoyoos Coyotes, the best of the best drop by for some intense shinny. Both teams lead their divisions going in, both continue to when all is said and done.
In the first period, Michael Fidanza gets the Heat on the scoresheet, ably assisted by Cody Hodges. Fidanza was honoured by being chosen the Player of the Month for December in the Okanagan/Shuswap Conference, and obviously celebrated by scoring that goal. Then Kaden Black gives Chase a two-goal lead helped by Landon Russell and Spencer Farstad. End of one, its 2-0!
In the second, Kolten Moore adds to the lead, aided by Travis Beaubien and Brett Alexander. The Desert Dogs get one back off the efforts of Austin Steger before Hodges pops the biscuit in from Zachary Fournier and Josh Bourne. End of two, 4-1!
The final 20 sees Farstad from Fournier and Russell continue the momentum. Osoyoos climbs back in with a pair from Austin Cleaver and Ryan Roseboom, before Bourne puts an exclamation mark on this game with an empty netter for a huge 6-3 win for the Shuswap squad. Nic Bruyere was a monster in the cage, stopping 29 of 32 to backstop the victory.
On Saturday night, the locals rolled down the pavement to the Mountain Mecca of Revelstoke. Not being able to hibernate, the awaiting Grizzlies are more than grumpy. There was no scoring in the opening 20 minutes. In the second, Chase fires three twig twisters past the Stoke tender. It was Cory Loring from Jake Delorme and Grady Musgrave, then Fidanza from Hodges and Fournier, followed by Ryan Okino with his first KIJHL tally from Fidanza and Bourne.
In the third, Jordan Rea ruins a shutout bid by Zak “Larceny” Larson. Chase, annoyed by the precociousness of the cubs, adds to their total. It’s Bourne from Okino and Fidanza and then Musgrave firing an empty netter. End result a 5-1 road win! It was a nasty one and the officials appeared to have non-working whistles.
The Heat have clinched a playoff spot with 14 games left in the regular season. The team sits fifth overall in the 20-team KIJHL.
Where oh where have the faithful gone? Hope to see you all Friday the 13th in Chase versus the Storm from Kamloops.