Flames get ‘W’ thanks to forfeit

The Penticton Flames got a win against the defending champions, but it wasn’t exactly how they wanted to do it.

The Flames were awarded a defaulted win after the Kamloops Venom were unable to cobble together enough healthy bodies for the Thompson Okanagan Junior Lacrosse League game this past Monday at Memorial Arena.

“It’s a terrible way to get the two points,” said Flames head coach Kevin Thompson. “It was short notice to let our fans know and it’s unfortunate for the league.”

Thompson said they were advised on Sunday morning the Venom couldn’t put a team on the floor. The Flames were unable to negotiate a suitable date to reschedule the game.

“It’s something the league will have to address going forward,” said Thompson. “It’s disappointing for us to lose a home game like that.”

Thompson said all the players came out in full gear and had a “great practice” in the two-hour time slot.

The Flames (4-2-1) get a lengthy break now before facing the first-place Vernon Tigers on May 27 at Kal Tire Place.

The Tigers (5-1-0), who thumped Kelowna 14-0 on Wednesday, beat the Flames 11-7 May 8 in Penticton. “It’s a real redemption game for us,” said Thompson. He noted Vernon is hosting the provincials this season, meaning if Vernon makes it to the league final, the other finalist will earn the TOJLL berth.

“That’s our goal — to get to the provincials and hopefully take a run at a championship,” said Thompson.

The Flames have been led by league scoring leader Connor Walton, who has 28 goals and 36 points in six games.

“He’s been a real go-to guy for us, he is relentless and never seems to get tired,” said Thompson. “We’ve been getting great goaltending and our defence corps had been extremely good at both ends of the floor. They don’t get a lot of the notoriety, but they’ve been huge for us.”

The Flames next home game is Monday, May 29 against the Kelowna Raiders.