Closer doesn’t count for Coyotes

The Osoyoos Coyotes put up a much better fight, but it still wasn’t enough against the powerful Kelowna Chiefs on Wednesday night.

In KIJHL first-round playoff action, goals by Jordan Woytas, Kayson Gallant and Juanre Naude propelled the Chiefs 3-1 over the Coyotes at Rutland Arena and a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.

Cole Rezka replied for the Coyotes, who were outshot 39-24. Kelowna routed the Coyotes 10-1 in Game 1 with top gunners Brody Dale (7 points), Lane Paddison and Zach Erhardt combining for 16 points. The line was completely shut down in Game 2, but the Chiefs flexed the depth that enabled them to win 43 of 49 regular season games.

After a scoreless first period, Kelowna scored twice in the second and once more in the third before Rezka got one back for the Coyotes.

Games 3 and 4 of the series go tonight and Saturday, both at 7:45 p.m., at the Sun Bowl Arena. The Coyotes will get key forwards Brock Marple and Blake Astorino back from suspensions.

STEAM 6, POSSE 2: Cory Loring scored twice and Summerland exploded for five unanswered goals in the third period as they overcame a 2-0 deficit to even the series at 1-1.

Linden Gove and Zack Cooper scored in a 41-second span midway through the third to turn a 2-1 deficit into a 3-2 lead. Ty Banser with 2:36 left and Bevis Chou with an empty-netter at 19:57 helped finish it off.

The Steam outshot the Posse 27-24.

Games 3 and 4 go tonight and Saturday, both 7 p.m. puck-drops at the Princeton and District Arena.

The Steam win guaranteed there will be a Game 5 Monday at the Summerland Arena.

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