Midgets, bantams and peewee rep teams to play in finals as all three host games this weekend
All three South Okanagan Minor Hockey Association (SOMHA) teams that captured regular season titles have advanced to league championship series in the Okanagan Mainline Amateur Hockey Association (OMAHA).
Both the midget and peewee rep teams won their games this past weekend to advance to the final round of OMAHA playoffs.
In the midget division, South Okanagan beat West Kelowna 7-3 Saturday to win the second round playoff series in two-consecutive games. South Okanagan had taken the first game 4-3.
“We played a much more consistent game on Saturday, executing our forecheck much more effectively,” said head coach Ryan Miller. “And, we had goals from a few players who have had lots of opportunities in previous games, but have had trouble converting chances or have had little puck luck.”
Josh Windley and Bryden Thomas both scored twice in the clinching victory. Bryden’s first goal came from strong puck movement and a well-placed feed from Tristan VanderMuelen on the power play.
VanderMuelen also scored one goal, as did Chase McKay and Evan Loura.
Jamie Fortune backstopped the win with some key saves early in the game to keep West Kelowna off the scoreboard until the third period.
“This was a big factor in keeping the momentum in our favour through the early part of the game,” added Miller. “Our defence also had a strong game, moving the puck quickly and supporting our forwards from our zone out.”
Overall, Miller is excited about the way his team is playing heading into the OMAHA championship series.
“Our boys played a consistent, fast-paced, full game, which is what we need to be doing to be successful in our final round,” he said.
“We are seeing some strong leadership coming from our second and third year players. Our team has really come together in the last few weeks of our regular season with all players making strong contributions in the roles we have been asking them to play. We will have a good battle against Kelowna and hope to have lots of fan support at our game on Saturday.”
The South Okanagan Midget rep team opens the OMAHA final series against Kelowna on Saturday, Feb. 21 at 2:15 p.m. at Sun Bowl Arena in Osoyoos.
The SOMHA peewee rep team has also advanced to the OMAHA finals after taking out Winfield in two-straight games.
The Junior Coyotes opened the best-of-three series Feb. 8 with an easy 5-0 home victory. South Okanagan wrapped up the series this past Sunday in Winfield, beating the home team 6-2.
Tyson Lautard, Crae Dawson and Tyler Badger all scored two goals in the win.
“The biggest thing is, it’s always tough to finish off a team. I thought the guys rallied real hard, and believed in themselves. We got down 1-0, scored the next goal to tie it up, and never really looked back from there,” offered a very pleased head coach Gord Dynneson. “Our goaltending from Colby Dynneson was good, super solid, and we needed that. We were under pressure in the first period and a half. Tyson Lautard played defence, but he was flying. He played with the flu but was real effective. And Kyton MacFadden played well.”
The peewee rep team now moves into the OMAHA championship series against Merritt, a team South Okanagan has met five times this season, having won three times and tied once.
“The biggest key to beating them is sticking to our own game. There will be a lot of line matching,” added Dynneson. “With home ice advantage, we will have last change, that will be a big part of it.”
Game 1 is set for Osoyoos Sunday at 12:45 p.m.
The SOMHA bantam rep team had a weekend bye after eliminating Kamloops in two-straight games, winning by scores of 4-0, and 4-3.
The bantams now face Winfield in the league championships series. The first game takes place Saturday, Feb. 21 at 11:30 a.m. at the Sun Bowl Arena.
The second game will take place on Sunday, Feb. 22 in Winfield at 12:15 p.m. If a third and deciding game is needed, it will be played in Osoyoos on Sunday, March 1 at 12:45 p.m.
With three rep teams entering into the final round of OMAHA playoffs, the SOMHA is currently fundraising for the provincial bids of all three teams.
There will be a bottle drive taking place Saturday.
Bottles can be dropped off at the rink during the midget game at 2:15 p.m. and bantam game at 11:30 a.m.
Bottles can also be dropped off during the Osoyoos Coyotes playoff games against the Princeton Posse Friday and Saturday at 7:35 p.m. or Sunday during the peewee rep playoff game at 12:45 p.m.
DALE CORY
Special to the Times
