Copperheads edged by Icemen

The Coaldale Copperheads lost a wild game during the second game of the Alberta Junior B Provincials Friday afternoon in Fort St. John, B.C.

The Copperheads were edged 8-7 by the Wetaskiwin Icemen to move to 1-1 on the weekend.

In a game where both teams lit into each other with seven goals in the first period, Coaldale held a 7-4 lead after two periods, but the Icemen struck for four third-period goals — including the gamewinner with 2:28 to go — to post the win.

The Copperheads took a 10 lead 5:32 into the game on a power-play goal from Brandyn Howg.

Wetaskiwin tied it a little over a minute later, but Coaldale took a 3-1 lead by the 11:12 mark of the opening period on goals from Jayden Smith and Gavin Burns.

The Icemen replied with two power-play goals to tie it, but Copperhead Chase Williamson gave Coaldale a 4-3 lead after the first, scoring with seven seconds left in the period.

Smith added his second of the game 24 seconds into the second for a 5-3 lead.

After the Icemen pulled within one, Tyler Anderson scored and Smith completed his hat trick for a three-goal lead after the second.

But four Wetaskiwin goals in the third completed the comeback as the Copperheads look to get back above the .500 this morning when they take on the Wainwright Bisons at 9 a.m.

The first and second semifinals go tonight at 8 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., respectively.

The third-place game takes place Sunday at 10:30 a.m. with the championship to follow at 2 p.m.