By Matt Laurin
The Fernie Ghostriders’ winning streak came to an end this week, after falling to the Columbia Valley Rockies 3 – 2 in overtime on Friday.
After winning seven straight games for the second time this season, the Riders (16 – 5 – 0 – 2) still managed to pick up a single point and remain in top spot of the Eddie Mountain Division – four points ahead of Kimberley.
“I thought we definitely had our chances to score,” said head coach Barry Wolff. “We didn’t capitalize when we needed to. Our finish just wasn’t there.”
The Riders had no shortage of chances on Friday, outshooting the Rockies 44 – 21, but could not solve goaltender Stewart Pratt.
“He played well for sure,” said Wolff. “We didn’t generate enough traffic in front of him though, and didn’t take advantages of rebounds when they were available.”
Despite out chancing the Rockies, the Ghostriders played from behind most of the night. After a scoreless first period, Columbia Valley opened the scoring in the second, before Derek Georgopoulos tied the game late in the period.
James Price restored the lead for the visitors early in the third, before Patrick Webb scored with 5:47 remaining to send the game into overtime.
Ryan Henderson sealed the win for the Rockies with just over a minute remaining in the extra period.
The Ghostriders will look to get back in the win column when they begin a tough home and home series against the Rebels, beginning Friday in Castlegar.
“We know that they’re one of the top teams in the league. These are the sort of games that test a team’s character,” said Wolff.
Halfway through his first season back behind the Riders bench, Wolff says he is happy with his team’s progress.
“We really like our make up. We have a really skilled team, and when these guys put their mind to it they can beat any of the top teams in this league.”
Still, the head coach says there is work to be done.
“There is always room for improvement. That’s our goal moving forward into December.”
Come cheer on the Riders when they host Castlegar on Saturday night at Fernie Memorial Arena. As always, puck drops at 7:30 p.m.
