Morning Star Staff
The North Okanagan Knights were looking to beat a last-place team and gain ground on their quest for home-ice advantage in the playoffs.
Instead, the Knights lost 5-3 to the Princeton Posse in a Super Bowl Sunday matinee at Nor-Val Sports Centre.
North Okanagan is fourth in the Okanagan Division at 21-23-0-2, five points back of the third-place Osoyoos Coyotes. Both teams have six games remaining.
The second-place Summerland Steam, who visit the Knights tonight, are five points back of the Kelowna Chiefs, with one game in hand.
The Posse (14-25-0-5) lost 10-3 to the visiting Knights a week ago, but grabbed a 2-0 lead midway through the first period on goals by Eden Dubchak (he has 13 on the year).
Vancouver rookie Ryan Kelm then counted two snipes, 36 seconds apart, with linemates Blaine Caton and Logan Mostat assisting. The first period ended 2-2.
North Okanagan went up 2:22 into the second with Kelm completing his hat trick, from captain TJ Christensen and Caton. Kelm has 13 goals in 30 games.
Andrew Stack equalized 12 minutes later, with his 12th of the season. Dalton Dubetz netted the winner with 1:52 remaining, while Stack added an empty netter with 38 seconds left.
Both teams had 36 shots with Scott Legault taking the win, Zach Dyment the loss.
After tonight’s tilt with Summerland, the Knights have two homes remaining, Feb. 19 versus Princeton and Feb. 22 versus Kelowna. They have road dates in Princeton, Summerland and Osoyoos.
