Despite a valiant effort, the 100 Mile House Wranglers were shut out on home ice by the Osoyoos Coyotes Friday night.
The Wranglers lost to the Coyotes 3-0 in what, despite the final score, was a close and hard-fought game. Throughout the match at the South Cariboo Rec Centre, the Wranglers held their own only allowing one flukey Coyote goal into the net throughout the first two periods. However, penalties once again hampered the Wranglers’ game giving the Coyotes plenty of chances to score on net.
During the third period, the contest became heated with a handful of penalties for roughing and misconduct, big hits and a few near brawls. Despite the intensity of the game and several opportunities, the Wranglers proved unable to tie up the game.
As the final minutes of the period approached Wranglers’ coach Lee Hansen, in an effort to force the game into overtime, took a gamble and pulled the Wrangler’s goalie. Unfortunately, the Coyotes were able to take control of the puck and score an empty net goal.
When Hansen rolled the dice again, after two Coyotes were sent to the penalty box, Osyooos once more was able to score another empty net goal, much to the visible frustration of the home team.
The next night 100 Mile House travelled to Revelstoke where the Revelstoke Grizzlies dominated them beating them 10-0. The Grizzlies outshot the Wranglers 75 to 24 on shots on net. That same night the Chase Heat, who the Wranglers have been battling for a playoff seat, beat the Coyotes 6-3 in Chase.
This victory means that the Heat and the Wranglers now both have 25 points and are tied for the final playoff spot, putting 100 Mile House in real danger of being eliminated. With only five games left in the regular season, the Wranglers will need to pick up some wins and hope Chase fails to do the same.
The Wranglers’ last two home games this season are against the Kamloops Storm on Saturday, Feb. 10 and Feb. 17.
