A confident Okanagan Shuswap division leading Summerland Sting hosted a desparate Kamloops Storm on Saturday night and in the end, desparation won out.
After losing 3 of its last 4 games (all on the road), including a disappointing 2-1 loss to division cellar-dwellers, Princeton, the night started off like the same old-same old. Although Kamloops played well during the first half of the first period, going stride for stride with Summerland. But after going 0-2 on the powerplay, Summerland cranked it up a notch and scored a power-play goal of their own and added another even strength goal just before the end of the period.
The second period saw Summerland control the play. Just after the 10 minute mark Kamloops had an opportunity in the Summerland zone but seemed to squander the chance when Summerland gained control and started out of the zone. As quick as you could blink an eye, a backchecking Lundy Trenamen and improving defenseman, David Osborne created a turnover. Ryan Bullock, who was deep on the original play was left standing by his lonesome in front of the net. The puck came quickly to him and he shot the puck literally through a startled Summerland goaltender, Hans Roshkosh. The Sting scored again before the end of the period but Kamloops appeared to be showing some inspiration.
The third period was the best period of hockey that the Storm has had all season. And led by the vets. Summerland was beginning to lose it's composure. They started off by taking 3 straight penalties and the Storm took advantage of 1 of them. Jassi Sangha, playing his best game on the road, popped one in from the front of the net.
Then, playing 5 on 5, the Storm's checking line of Martens, Edwards and Kirkam created a turnover in the Summerland zone and Martens buried a nice feed from Kirkham to tie the score.
Kamloops had the momentum and on a power-play around the 15:oo minute mark. Jassi Sangha picked up a loose puck in the Summerland zone and took a shot that Roshkosh kicked straight out to a waiting Ryan Bullock who potted his second goal of the game. Less than 5 minutes to go and the Storm had turned into a hurricane.
But not so fast...
With player-coach Justin Giroux in the sin bin for obstruction-holding, Summerland captain Mike Keller scored from the slot to tie the game at 17:06.
Was overtime in the cards tonight? NOooooo.
Enter the big ticket line of Sangha, Bullock and Young. Determined not to let this one get away, the trio controlled the puck over the Summerland blueline and by completing a beautiful tic-tac-toe play, Jake Young buried the winner with 1:40 remaining in the period. Summerland pulled their goaltender to no avail as a solid Anthony Manfredi shut the door to preserve the win.
In the end, it was as much Summerland's lack of discipline that turned the tide as they took 12-3rd period penalties to Kamloops 6. They looked tired as Kamloops top end speed finally tired a usually disciplined Sting team, forcing them into new-age penalties.
It was just the win they needed. In the right place, at the right time and by the players that needed show that they were the right guys. Good on them.
...............................
Side notes:
Assistant coach Justin Giroux came out of retirement and suited up for the Storm this weekend. He was a big presense in Princeton, Friday night while getting 2 misconducts, including a game ejection for hitting from behind.
On Saturday night Giroux settled down on the misconducts and played a solid game showing grit and strength on the blueline and accurate passing to moving forwards on the offensive breakout, something the team really needed to aid their offensive talent.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment
Leave your comments here. We appreciate your questions and comments. Thanks.