OT loss lifts Coyotes back into first place

The Osoyoos Coyotes are back in first place in the KIJHL’s Okanagan Division heading into the weekend, but it wasn’t exactly in the way they had in mind.

Dean Whitcomb scored at 1:15 of overtime after two late goals in regulation as the North Okanagan Knights stunned the Coyotes 3-2 in front of 276 fans at the Sun Bowl Arena on Wednesday.

Osoyoos (19-5-1) picked up a point to move one point ahead of the second-place Summerland Steam (18-6-2), who beat Princeton 3-0 on Tuesday.

The Coyotes were breezing along with a 2-0 lead on a first-period goal by Carter Robinson and another in the middle stanza by Judd Repole.

Layne Greene got one back for the Knights with 5:18 to play and Brady Marzocco tied it with 3:35 left to force the five-minute overtime.

Daniel Paul made 43 saves for the Knights while Adam Jones stopped 32 shots for the Coyotes.

It was a big win for the Knights (10-16-1), who moved five points ahead of Princeton for the fourth and final playoff position in the division.

In action tonight, Osoyoos looks to bounce back with a visit to the resurgent Sicamous Eagles, while 100 Mile House Wranglers travel to Summerland in a 7:30 p.m. puck-drop.

On Saturday, Summerland makes the return visit to 100 Mile, while Osoyoos goes to Revelstoke to take on the Grizzlies.