The Chase Heat Junior hockey team continues to battle the injury bug with nine regulars out of the lineup.
On Halloween, Oct. 31, the team hit the road to play the Revelstoke Grizzlies in the mountain metropolis. Adversity aside, this contest was a thriller as the Heat took a hard-earned 4-3 double-overtime victory.
The lame but courageous Mike Byer backstopped the team, making saves on 39 of 42 shots faced.
Chase was down 2-0 in the third before new acquisition Eric Austin got one from Mitchell Walters and Zachary Fournier. The Angry Bears got that one back before the Heat popped in 2, Austin Willier from Hayden Orton and Braden Hughes, and then Connor Venne with 35 seconds left from Trevor Okino and Hughes to tie it up. With 1:15 left in overtime Kolten Moore from Travis Beaubien and Hughes did the trick and treated his team to victory.
On Saturday, Nov. 1, the Heat hosted the Sicamous Eagles – another epic battle with local hockey product Cody Hodges doing all the scoring for the Heat.
Byer faced 35 shots and stopped 31 to take the loss in this one that ended 4-3. Hodges stepped up in this one, scoring one in each of the three periods for a hat trick. His first in the first from Beaubien and Okino. In the second, Hodges from Venne and in the third a shorthanded marker Hodges from Venne.
Saturday Night was the conclusion of the month-long Breast Cancer Cure Fundraiser.
The game worn-pink jerseys were auctioned off and raised $5,922, which was presented to team partners Team Chase. The Heat would like to thank them, the jersey sponsors, the successful bidders and all the volunteers for a very successful event.
Next up, the 100 Mile House Wranglers visit on Friday, Nov. 7, followed by Castlegar Rebels on Saturday, Nov. 8.
On behalf of Chase Literacy, there will be a collection of new or gently used books, which will be distributed locally through food hampers and story time at Chase Country Christmas.
The greatest need is for the younger ages but all donations are gratefully received. The Heat is a proud partner with Chase Literacy in making a huge impact on everyone’s daily lives!