Hunter Johnson (No. 17), pictured here with teammates in a game last Friday, scored two goals in Tuesday’s 4-3 win that eliminated Princeton. Judd Repole, second from left at back, got a goal and an assist. (Richard McGuire photo)
The Osoyoos Coyotes have swept away the Posse in four straight games, winning 4-3 in Princeton Tuesday night.
The win takes the team to the Okanagan Division finals, where they will face the winner of the Kelowna-Summerland series still underway. Kelowna now leads that series 3-1.
Kelowna could eliminate Summerland as early as Thursday night, leaving open the remote possibility that the Coyotes could face the Chiefs this weekend.
Coyotes owner Randy Bedard said the more likely scenario is the next series will begin in Osoyoos on Tuesday, March 6. This would keep the division final series in sync with other series in the league.
The Coyotes took a 3-1 lead in the first period Tuesday night.
Judd Repole opened the scoring halfway into the period.
Princeton’s Lane French tied the score a couple minutes later, but Carter Shannon and Hunter Johnson added goals to round out the period.
In the second period, Princeton narrowed the gap with a goal by Chad Kimmie five minutes into the period.
Halfway into the period, Johnson added a second goal to make it 4-2 for the Coyotes.
In the third period, Princeton fought back, outshooting Osoyoos 12-7, but through most of the period, they were unable to score.
The Posse pulled goalie Bobby Milligan for an extra attacker in the final minutes. Then Coyotes goalie Daniel Paul got a slashing penalty with just one minute left in the third period.
With just 10 seconds remaining in the period, French of the Posse scored on the power play to narrow the score to 4-3.
Unfortunately for Princeton, they were unable to add a second late goal, and their playoff hopes came to an end.
In other games Tuesday, Kelowna shut out Summerland 5-0 to take a 3-1 lead in the series.
100 Mile House beat Chase 6-3 to win their series in four straight games.
Kamloops was fighting for its life against Revelstoke with the two teams at 1-1 in overtime. A win by Revelstoke would give them the series, but Kamloops pulled off a 2-1 win in the third period of overtime. Revelstoke now leads the series 3-1.
Beaver Valley beat Castlegar 7-6, to tie their series at two games each.
Grand Forks beat Nelson 3-1 to buy a reprieve. Nelson now leads the series 3-1.
Fernie beat Kimberley 4-3 in overtime, also winning a reprieve. Kimberley leads the series 3-1.
Columbia Valley beat Creston 4-3 in overtime to take a 3-1 lead in their series.
RICHARD McGUIRE
Osoyoos Times
