Morning Star Staff
The North Okanagan Knights hope a return to the friendly confines of the Nor-Val Sports Centre might snap them out of their funk.
The Knights entertain the Summerland Steam Friday, and the Revelstoke Grizzlies Saturday, in Kootenay International Junior Hockey League action. Both games start at 7:30 p.m.
North Okanagan has played seven games since their last appearance at Nor-Val on Nov. 5, five of them on the road and two home games at the Enderby Arena.
“It’s been a tough month, lots of games on the road, and we’re looking forward to getting back to some home cookin’ at the Nor-Val,” said Knights head coach Bryant Perrier.
“But no excuses. It’s a grind right now, and teams are going to go through that.”
The Knights saw their losing streak reach five games Saturday with a 5-2 setback in Kamloops.
The Storm jumped out to a 3-0 first-period lead, which included a pair of powerplay goals.
North Okanagan cut the lead to 4-2 midway through the third, thanks to a powerplay goal from Dean Whitcomb (eighth), and Logan Geef’s 10th of the season.
Bryce McDonald added a goal for Kamloops with 2:39 remaining. Conor Webb got the start and made 46 saves.
“Conor had a couple of shots that he’d like to have back but it was his first game in a while because Daniel (Paul) has been carrying the load,” said Perrier. “He knows it better than anyone, but Conor was excellent in the second half of the game.”
North Okanagan (9-15-0-1) is four points ahead of the Princeton Posse in the battle for fourth in the Okanagan Shuswap Division. The Posse edged the Kelowna Chiefs 4-3 Saturday.
“We’re not going to panic,” said Perrier. “It’s my job to keep the ship upright. I’m staying positive and letting the guys know that. “They’re doing very well.”
The Knights are 11 points back of the Chiefs.