After losing the opening game in their weekend double-header against the University of Victoria Vikes, Okanagan College staged a dramatic third period comeback on Saturday evening, pulling out a 6-5 victory over the visitors from Vancouver Island.
Welcoming four newcomers to an already young roster, the Coyotes were outplayed on Friday night in dropping their first game back from Christmas by a 6-3 score. Despite being outshot and not playing the style of hockey that had them sitting in second place in BCIHL standings, the Okanagan College squad were able to salvage some positives from Friday’s defeat.
“I think we all saw that our compete level would have to be elevated in the second half of the year,” said Coyotes captain Dave Mann. “We played overwhelmed, and Victoria came in and made us play their game.”
The Coyotes’ third period, which has been their biggest strength all season, saw a team unravelling as they attempted to integrate new faces while playing the brand of hockey that has seen them achieve success. Unfortunately, it also saw the accumulation of too many penalties, putting OC on its heels and unable to create the necessary chances to put the puck in the University of Victoria net.
“We collectively lost our cool out there, and showed a lack of discipline,” noted Mann, whose team compiled 28 minutes in penalties in the final frame, compared to just four for the visiting Vikes.
“The challenge was going to be gathering our emotions, and bearing down for Saturday night, so we could redeem ourselves and get back on track.”
Saturday’s game would prove to be a true test of the Coyotes determination, as the back and forth affair was a true test of will for the OC team looking to avoid its second straight defeat.
Jumping out to an early two-goal lead behind goals from James Neitsch and Chris Glen, the Coyotes looked to be in control of play until Victoria rallied for three quick goals to end the first frame. The second period started much like the first had ended, as Victoria converted a powerplay goal just three minutes in, stretching their lead to 4-2.
“That second period really felt like a crucial moment for our team”, said Coyotes GM Kolby Barnstable. “Losing an ugly one the night before, and now finding ourselves down two goals despite dictating the majority of play. The rest of the game was either going to be proof of our team's mental toughness, or indicative of a lack of competitive fire.”
Barnstable’s efforts to bring in nine former captains as recruits this year seemed to pay off for OC, as there was a visible shift in play in the second period. Outshooting the Vikes 16-5 in the period, the Coyotes used Layne Stopanki’s 11th goal of the year to pull within one heading into the final frame.
“We felt great about that second period, but knew it was going to take even more in the third to take this game and get our season headed in the right direction,” said Mann, who in his third season with the Coyotes would be one of the players looked towards for leadership and elevated play in the final period.
When the University of Victoria squad stretched their lead to 5-3 with just 10 minutes left in the third, the outlook seemed bleak for the Coyotes who were buzzing in the offensive zone and still unable to generate that ever-important marker to make the game theirs to win.
But with less than six minutes left in the game, two KMHA products hooked up, as team leading scorer Aaron Buat converted a Miles Houston pass to narrow the Victoria lead to just one. Just minutes later, with a UVic player penalized for interference, another Kelowna product, Brendan Urban, was able to tie the game, this time assisted by Mann and Houston.
Being able to escape the late deficit with a tie would generally be considered a victory of sorts for most teams, but the Coyotes were not done there. Leading goal scorer Chris Glen finished off an incredible comeback for Okanagan College with 2:33 left in the game, scoring his twelfth of the season and putting the Coyotes ahead for good, 6-5, in a game not soon to be forgotten by anyone in attendance.
“Exhilarating was what that was,” stated Barnstable, whose team improves to 9-3-2 on the year. “These types of wins are huge character builders, and I think we opened our own eyes, realizing what this team is capable of.”
A shot at OC goaltender Sunny Gill after the final buzzer sounded caused a scrum after the game, with a number of players being penalized with game misconducts, but nothing could dull the thrilling victory for the Coyotes.
“I think this is one of those games we will look back on come playoff time, and gain confidence in one another”, said Mann, whose three assists were crucial in the Coyotes comeback. “I'm proud of these guys, and can’t wait to continue to build on this momentum.”
That momentum will be put to the test this weekend, when the Coyotes play a home-and-home series with interior rivals Thompson Rivers University.
Friday night OC hits the road to visit TRU before hosting the Wolfpack on Saturday night, 7:45, at Kelowna’s Memorial Arena.
VICTORIA
SIMON FRASER
OKANAGAN
LOGAN LAKE
VANCOUVER ISLAN.
