Removing the talented likes of Jarrod Gale, Carter Yarish, Zach Leslie, Jack Pass, Joe Davidson, Jack Henderson and Zach Park would definitely have a severe impact on any line-up.
That’s exactly what the injury plagued Osoyoos Coyotes were faced with on Friday night in Armstrong, the end result being a 6-2 loss to the Knights.
The Coyotes could never recover from an ugly first period, which saw them give up a goal only 18-seconds in, be outshot 22-7 and trail 3-1.
The team was much better over the final two periods, outshooting North Okanagan a combined 32-20, however scoring chances weren’t converted and the goaltending failed to deliver a key save when required.
Rhett Harkot was pulled early in the second period after allowing four goals on 25 shots. Kenny Gerow gave up two more in relief on 17 shots.
Ethan McKinley had a goal and also assisted on a Coletyn Boyarski powerplay marker.
There were spurts of offensive pressure, but fatigue was certainly evident at times.
Osoyoos has resigned itself to the fact that a second place finish in the Bill Ohlhausen Division is imminent, likely creating an opening round playoff match-up with the same North Okanagan Knights.
The Coyotes need just one more point to clinch second and hope to do so when they host the Chase Heat on Saturday night (January 28th), beginning at 7:35.
