The North Okanagan Knights headed into Saturday’s matchup against the top-ranked Sicamous Eagles sporting a ghastly streak.
Having dropped 11 consecutive games, it would be expected for the fans at the Nor-Val Centre to see another loss, as the Eagles were sporting a 16-3-1 record for 33 points, tops in the KIJHL.
Just two minutes into the game, those concerns seemed valid, as the Eagles scored first, from Parker Garries.
However, the Knights fought back, scoring three goals in three minutes in the first period, off the sticks of Carter Will (twice) and Devin Jameson.
In the second, Nolan Kelly and Kyle Wheeler goals sandwiched a marker from Sicamous’s Landen Janz to give North Okanagan a 5-2 lead heading into the third.
The Eagles soared in the final frame, tying the game up with three consecutive goals, from Alex Smith, Brendan Calahasen and Janz’s second of the night.
Things look destined for overtime, until, after a late delay of game penalty by the Eagles, Will’s hat trick with 28 seconds left in the game sealed the long awaited victory for the Knights.
Jameson added an empty netter for good measure, as the Knights won 7-5.
Goaltender Michael Malinowski made 38 saves for his fourth win of the year. Jameson finished with four points on the night, while Will, Kelly and Gage Parrell each had three.
North Okanagan is now 4-12-0-3 on the season, for 11 points, just three behind second in the Bill Ohlhausen Division.
A date with the Posse in Princeton is next for North Okanagan, on Wednesday, Nov. 22. Puck drop is 7 p.m.
READ MORE: Vernon locals on roster of Vanier Cup bound Thunderbirds
READ MORE: Vernon Vipers Ethan David shuts door in 4-0 shutout victory