In getting the required help from out of town, all the Osoyoos Coyotes had to do Saturday night was beat the Kamloops Storm on home ice in order to grab a Doug Birks Division crossover playoff berth. A feat easier said than done as the Storm has proven to be one of the KIJHL’s elite teams.
However, the relentless Coyotes came within one shot of making the post-season, losing 4-3 in overtime.
Things looked bleak in the early going with Kamloops jumping out to a 3-0 first period advantage, a lead that stood up through a scoreless second.
It’s doubtful anyone was expecting what happened next.
Osoyoos exploded for three early third period goals in a span of only 2:06 to tie the game at 3-3, sending those in attendance into a frenzy. Russell Weatherhead on the powerplay, Hunter Jaman and Mason Rudolph were the ones responsible for keying the stunning comeback. Ethan Torres added a pair of assists.
The remaining almost 16 minutes of regulation time went back and forth, albeit the Coyotes holding the edge in play.
Just over two minutes into three-on-three sudden death, Osoyoos got caught on somewhat of a bad line change allowing the Storm’s Noah Paulsen to break down the right wing and slide the puck past Sam Koester. Game over and gut wrenchingly season over.
Not the outcome of which the large partisan crowd was hoping. Regardless, an incredibly entertaining effort.
Final shots on goal were 47-41 in favour of Kamloops, including the only two of overtime.
The Coyotes may have missed the playoffs by a single point, but there were occasions during the year when points that should have been slipped away.
Instead of looking back, the Osoyoos Coyotes are excited about the 2026/2027 Season and chance to play at the Junior “A” Tier “I” level.
Special thanks to the many dedicated fans who never once stopped supporting the boys!
(Photo Courtesy of Kirsten McLean)
