Tanner Burns’ return to the lineup Saturday night proved to be a welcome addition for the North Okanagan Knights.
The 18-year-old Vernon native, who had originally decided to leave hockey to attend school after being cut by the Vernon Vipers, recorded a goal as the Knights overcame a two-goal deficit to brush back the Golden Rockets 4-3 in Kootenay International Junior Hockey League play at Golden Arena.
“He still had that desire to come back and play (he joined the Knights late last year). We didn’t promise him anything; he had to come out and practise with us. He played two pretty good games and hopefully he can just keep that going,” said Knights’ head coach Kris Mallette.
Cory Hochhausen recorded the OT winner on the powerplay, assisted by Thomas Swales and Josh Wickenheiser. With the Knights struggling in their own end, first star Justin Fulton pegged Golden (2-1-0-1) to a two-goal lead in the first period.
“Got off to a slow start, but it was by no means the fault of our goalie (Dustin Nikkel, 33 saves). He was making the first two or three saves before they scored,” said Knights’ coach Kris Mallette.
Wickenheiser was rewarded for going to the net as he recorded the lone second-period goal to cut Golden’s lead in half.
Singles by Mateja Leko, on the powerplay, and Burns gave North Okanagan (4-2) its first lead midway through the third period.
With the Golden net empty, Darren Andre forced OT with 28 seconds to play after some relentless pressure by the Rockets.
Perhaps showing the effects of a second straight three-game weekend, the Knights fell 7-1 to the host Kamloops Storm Sunday night at McArthur Park Arena.
“Kamloops (4-1) comes at you extremely hard and finishes their checks,” said Mallette. “We were frustrated and undisciplined, and ultimately, that cost us.”
Trailing 5-0 after two periods, Mallette shortened his bench to two lines. They were rewarded with a goal by Eric Chore.
