Only twice had the Osoyoos Coyotes scored a high mark of six goals in a game this season. Now make that three times as a result of Saturday night’s 6-3 doubling of the Kelowna Chiefs at the Sun Bowl Arena.
Osoyoos trailed 2-0 after the first period and 2-1 following 40 minutes. However, a five goal third period vastly altered the outcome. Two of those may have been into an empty net, but the Coyotes are full credit for a tenacious effort and will take whatever they can to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Logan Bates, Ethan Torres, Mason Rudolph, Kohen Fisher, Russell Weatherhead and Spencer Fleck had the Osoyoos tallies. For both Bates and Fisher, their first of the season. Kaelen Halowaty continues to accumulate points since returning from injury, adding three assists. Ethan Torres produced two helpers. Sam Murray’s assist was the first of his young Junior hockey career. Even winning netminder Sam Koester recorded an assist, his second of the year.
Shots were 28-19 in favour of the Coyotes, who made Kelowna pay the price for taking an excessive number of penalties by going three for nine on the powerplay.
With just four games left in the regular season, the playoffs remain a hopeful possibility. Osoyoos would have to win at least two, perhaps three of those, depending on how Sicamous, 100 Mile House and Chase all fare down the stretch.
The Merritt Centennials and Coyotes play a home-and-home next weekend, beginning Friday night (Feb. 20th) at 7:00 in Osoyoos. Game Sponsor is Boostoyoos Yoga & Wellness Bar.
