The Kelowna Chiefs handed the struggling Osoyoos Coyotes their fourth straight loss, a 6-3 result, Friday night in Rutland.
Osoyoos trailed 1-0 after the first and 3-2 following 40 minutes. Needless to say, the Coyotes were keeping it close.
A definite turning point occurred just over seven minutes into the third period. With Kelowna leading 3-2, Osoyoos had a powerplay and was pressing to tie the game. However, the Chiefs scored a somewhat controversial shorthanded goal to go up 4-2. That seemed to take the wind right out of the sails of the Coyotes. As far as the goal being questionable. It was a partial breakaway which saw the Kelowna player push goaltender Sam Koester into the net, puck and all. The officials briefly discussed the play but never overturned the call.
Koester was outstanding despite being beaten six times. Although the shots may have been slightly exaggerated, he officially stopped 57 of 63. Final shots on goal were a lopsided 63-25 for the Chiefs, definitely aided by six powerplays compared to only two given Osoyoos.
Kelowna certainly varied its scoring, converting three times at even strength, one on the man advantage, once while shorthanded as mentioned and one off a penalty shot.
Hunter Jaman, Nick Vopat and Soren Brons-Douville provided the Coyotes offence.
Saturday night (Dec. 6th), the Osoyoos Coyotes host the Revelstoke Grizzlies at 7:00 o’clock at the Sun Bowl Arena. Bring a new or ‘gently used’ stuffie for the Annual “Christmas Toy Toss” and non-perishable donation in support of the Osoyoos Food Bank. Game Sponsor is the Highway to Healing Support Society.
