This past weekend the Kamloops Blazers faced the Wenatchee Wild for the first time this season, picking up a disappointing 7-6 loss in overtime. Despite our hometown team narrowly coming up short, the game at the Sandman Centre was full of memorable moments for both teams. Blazers’ center Ashton Tait scored his first goal in WHL with the assist of Andrew Thomspon and Ryan Nolan; opening the scoring for the team.
During the second period, Blazers’ Dylan Sydor scored a game-securing goal with Connor Levis and Logan Biros. Only 20 seconds later River City’s rookie Bryce Minten scored the fourth goal of the game with the assist of Shea Van Olm and Matteo Koci.
Both teams were stepping into the third period with a 5 -5 score. Mid-period, Levis scored his second goal of the game, then with only 40 seconds left in regular play, the Wild’s center Conor Geekie scored an all-important game-tying goal to force OT play.
Heading into overtime, Wenatchee’s right-winger Easton Armstrong scored the game-winner, making it a 7 – 6 loss for the Blazers.
This is the first time the Blazers lost with Matthew Kieper on the start, who holds a 0.864 percent save record this season.
The Wild – previously known as the Winnipeg Ice – left Manitoba earlier this year and underwent a number of changes this season. From switching to the US Division in the WHL to having the head coach Kevin Constantine fired. This didn’t break their confidence. Prior to their Sunday win, the Wild lost the first of two games to the Prince George Cougars on Friday, before emerging victorious in their rematch the following day.
Blazers are off on the road for the next two games playing against Portland Winterhawks on October 13 and Tri-City Americans on October 14. The team returns to home ice on October 17 versus Swift Current Broncos. For more information visit https://chl.ca/whl-blazers/.