The Osoyoos Coyotes faced the North Okanagan Knights on Wednesday and suffered a 5-4 loss. (File photo)
By Vanessa Broadbent
Osoyoos Times
Despite a strong comeback in the final period, the Osoyoos Coyotes were unable to defeat the North Okanagan Knights and suffered a 5-4 when the teams met at Sun Bowl Arena on Wednesday evening.
The Knights sunk two shots in both the first and second periods, leading the night 4-0 by the time the third frame started.
However, the Coyotes rallied and the last 20 minutes saw three goals from Brandon Della Paolera and one from Bryson Garska. But one more from the Knights brought their score up to 5, preventing the game from going into overtime.
Reiterating the team’s motto – “Win as a team, lost as a team” – head coach Dean Maynard said game preparation starts with the coaching.
“I take it upon myself that we lacked in one fundamental of the game and it was preparation when this was a must-win game,” he said.
“We need to focus on the positives of that game and take the negatives as a learning tool.”
The Coyotes (14-24-2-0) retained their third place ranking in the division, but the North Okanagan Knights (15-25-0-1) are now only one point behind.
The Coyotes barely outshot the Knights (33-30), but dominated the penalty box with 56 minutes compared to the Knights’ 14.
With the team being only two weeks into a new structure and coaching change, Maynard said he’s observed a huge improvement in the players’ ability to compete, attitudes and “never quit” mentality.
“Now to put the whole package together and play a 60 minute game, this team will be successful in the near future.”
The Osoyoos Coyotes visit the Revelstoke Grizzlies on Friday evening.
