Osoyoos Coyotes’ goaltender Brett Soles sprawls on the ice after making a big save in the first period of Saturday’s home game against the Revelstoke Grizzlies. The Coyotes scored two power play goals in the second period on their way to an impressive 2-0 victory. The Coyotes have now won seven games in a row. (Keith Lacey photo)
The Osoyoos Coyotes continued their stellar defensive play and extended their season-best winning streak to seven games with a pair of victories on home ice this past weekend.
The Coyotes only allowed one goal in 120 minutes of hockey as they defeated the Castlegar Rebels 4-1 Friday night.
They kept the winning streak going Saturday night against the Revelstoke Grizzlies as they scored a pair of second period power play goals on their way to a hard-fought 2-0 shutout victory.
The two victories gave the Coyotes a very impressive record of 14 wins, four losses and one overtime loss after 19 games, which gives them a comfortable seven-point lead over Summerland Steam and Kelowna Chiefs, who are tied for second place in the Okanagan Division of the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League (KIJHL).
Against Castlegar, the Coyotes jumped out to a 2-0 lead as Colin Bell opened the scoring 90 seconds into the game. Braeden Tuck increased the lead to two goals scoring with seven minutes left in the period.
Castlegar made things interesting with a power play goal late in the second period to cut the gap to 2-1 after 40 minutes of play.
The Coyotes restored a two goal lead only 30 seconds into the third period as Bobby LaRue scored.
Daniel Stone scored an unassisted marker three minutes later and the Coyotes were never threatened as they tightened up defensively to register the 4-1 victory.
Veteran goaltender Brett Soles continued his outstanding play stopping 34 or 35 shots and being names the Coyotes’ Star of the Game in the process.
Against Revelstoke Saturday night, it was a defensive battle by both teams all night.
After a scoreless first period, the Coyotes got on the scoreboard early in the second period with a power play goal from Cody Allen, Ryan Morrell and captain Rainer Glimpel added assists.
Colin Bell scored a huge goal with another power play marker with only four seconds remaining in the second period. Carter Shannon and Austin Cleaver added assists.
The Coyotes once again tightened up defensively in the third period and allowed only nine shots on goal to maintain the 2-0 margin and provide Soles with a shutout.
Soles was once again named the Coyotes’ Star of the Game for his solid effort between the pipes.
The Coyotes hopes to continue their winning streak with a pair of games against Kelowna Chiefs. They play Wednesday evening at the Rutland Arena.
The Coyotes return to host the Chiefs Saturday night at the Sun Bowl Arena. Game time is 7:35 p.m.
KEITH LACEY
Osoyoos Times
