They are goal-challenged while doing a decent job giving up goals in the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League.
North Okanagan Knights’ head coach Bryant Perrier is using practice time trying to get his troops going into the trenches for more snipes.
The Knights are 2-5-1-2 and have the fewest goals – 16 – in the 20-team circuit. They have allowed 30 goals, which is second-best in the Okanagan Division and seventh-best in the KIJHL.
The Knights visit the Summerland Steam (9-3) tonight after losing 2-1 to the Chase Chiefs Saturday night and falling 2-1 in overtime to the Steam Friday.
“We’re playing very well; we’re just not scoring,” said Perrier. “In our last three games, we’ve only had six goals against. Offensively, we’re committed but we’re not getting pucks into the paint for second chances.”
Conor Webb, a late cut by the Vernon Vipers who played for the Knights last year, stoned North Okanagan with 33 saves and game star honours at Nor-Val Sports Centre.
“He was good, he made the difference for sure,” said Perrier. “He made some spectacular saves. When you’re in a groove, you’re in a groove. Good for him.”
Webb is 4-2 with a 2.77 GAA.
The Knights were without injured forwards Jett Saharchuk (ankle) and Kyle Sherwood (shoulder) and D Justin Miron (concussion).
Jaden Hay netted his second of the season in the loss to Chase. Brayden Haskell and Cam Watson replied for the Heat 6-3-2-0). Zach Willms blocked 32 shots for the Knights’ game star.
Brady Marzocco rang up his fifth of the year in Summerland, where Willms took game star with 36 stops. Marzocco leads the Knights with six points.
The Knights have just seven players with goals. Hay, Carl Main and Sean Wilson have two snipes.
The Nelson Leafs (9-2-1-0) and Grand Forks Border Bruins (9-4-0-1) are the top two teams in the league.
The Knights entertain the 1-8-1-0 Sicamous Eagles Friday night and visit the 100 Mile House Wranglers (6-3-2-0) Saturday.