Kelowna Chiefs’ forward Jordan Salahor slams Osoyoos Coyotes’ defencemen Beau Browning into the boards during Game 5 of the best-of-seven series at the Sun Bowl Arena on Thursday, March 1. With a goal in the dying seconds of the third period, the Chiefs took Game 5 by a score of 5-4. Game 6 took the pack back to Rutland Friday night, where after securing a 3-1 lead going into the third, the Chiefs rebounded for four goals and defeated the Coyotes 5-3, officially ending Osoyoos’ season. Photo by Mathew White
After suffering a pair of heartbreaking losses in games four and five, it all came down to Game 6 in Rutland Friday night for the Coyotes.
After blowing yet another two goal lead – they were up 3-1 going into the third – the Coyotes fell hard and were beaten 5-3, handing the Chiefs the best-of-seven series 4-2.
“I just think that we let them back into it when we had them in the fourth game,” said Ken Law, head coach of the Coyotes.
The Coyotes led game four by three goals with less than nine minutes to play and looked to be in control to take a 3-1 series lead. However, a late flurry by the Chiefs tied things up and the Coyotes eventually lost the game in triple overtime.
This was the turning point on the series when things really started to go south for Osoyoos said Law.
“If we buried them there, they would have been down 3-1 and I think we would have taken it from there,” said Law. “It’s a game of momentum and that shifted the momentum in their favour.”
“It revitalized Kelowna and they’re a solid team.”
Many have suggested the Coyotes may have been overconfident coming into this series considering they were so dominate during the regular season, but Law disagrees.
Kelowna just really picked it up when they had to and came out in the end as the dominate team, said Law.
“I think given the opportunity they could go a long way,” said Law. “They’ve got some great depth … and I think they’re a team well deserving of it.”
Law reiterated it really all came down to the shift of momentum after Game 5. He said the boys just didn’t learn their lesson from that triple-overtime loss and really failed to push back afterwards.
Looking back over the year, Law said he would like to thank everyone who came out and showed the Coyotes support this season.
“You look at a lot of other associations and they can’t draw the same size crowds we get and the kind of support we get and it’s great to see,” said Law.
With the season officially over, Law said he’s already started to look forward and has begun recruiting for next year’s squad.
“The biggest thing is getting the right mix of players that will work together, and at the same time, have the same focus and drive and commitment to doing what it takes to win championships,” said Law.
A spring prospect camp has been scheduled for April 27-29 at the Sun Bowl Arena.
