The Kootenay International Junior Hockey League schedule showed the North Okanagan Knights playing twice last weekend. Head coach Shawn Webb said they only showed up once.
After doubling the league-leading Nelson Leafs 4-2 Friday in the Kootenays, the Knights had a four-game win streak snapped as they bowed 6-1 to the Castlegar Rebels a night later.
“It was just a complete no-show on our part,” said Webb. “It was like, ‘We beat Nelson, we’re the best,’ and we forgot to show up.”
The Knights, third in the Okanagan Division at 13-12-0-1, gave up five straight special teams goals – three on the powerplay, and a pair shorthanded – before they woke up in the third period.
Ryan Kelm, assisted by Logan Geefs and Blake Culbert, handled the Knights’ offence in front of Zach Dyment (21 saves), who was replaced by Mitch Profeit (12 saves) early in the third period.
Derek Georgopoulos recorded 1+3 for the 14-10-1-3 Rebels, who got singles from Hunter Jenerou, Kody Disher, Dylan Bowerman, Connor Beauchemin and Jeremy McNeil.
Patrick Zubick made 17 stops for the win.
North Okanagan visited the Summerland Steam (12-11-1-1) Tuesday night. They host the Princeton Posse (7-16-0-3) Friday (7:30 p.m.) at Nor-Val Sports Centre.
North Okanagan visits the division-leading Kelowna Chiefs (20-7-0-2) Saturday before entertaining the second-place Osoyoos Coyotes (16-12) in a 3 p.m. matinee Sunday.
All but one of the Knights’ seven pre-Christmas games are against division rivals.
“We’re in a good position right now,” said Webb. “We get to dictate where we sit in the division. It’s up to the guys right now.”
