Photo Credit: Garrett James & Mike Hockley
The long road to Trail wasn’t for not as the Cents picked up a point, but they’ll wish for more after a controversial 2-1 loss in OT against the Smoke Eaters.
On their first powerplay, on their first shot, the Smoke Eaters would get the first goal of the game from Carter Jones. Rylan Van Unen was in the box for slashing. The Cents would get a chance on the powerplay in the period, but would be unable to convert. Brett Roloson had the golden opportunity of the first, but his shot went wide from the high slot. Vincent Duplessis made the start, but wasn’t overly busy stopping 5/6 shots while Adam Marcoux stopped all 10 for Trail.
The second period was a little sloppy on both sides. Lots of forced passes, lots of neutral zone play, lots of quick zone entries and exits. As imagined, it didn’t result in much offense as neither team scored in the middle frame. Shots after 2 were 17-13 in favour of the Cents.
The third period opened with the Cents hungry to get in the game. Just three minutes in they were rewarded when Brad Cocca scored his 13th goal of the season, and his 40th point by beating Marcoux with a quick shot as he crossed the blue line in the middle of the ice. It beat Marcoux low glove side and tied the game at 1-1. The Cents would make a heavy push in the third shooting 16 shots on net, but couldn’t find the game winner.
OT wouldn’t last long as just 2 minutes in, Bryce Anderson drove in from the far side of the ice and cut towards net. Vincent Duplessis made the save, but as he was falling backwards into the net, he thrashed it out into the blue paint. The referees ruled the puck crossed the line as Duplessis was falling backwards and that would be the end of the game.
The Cents picked up a point, but will slide back to 2nd in the Interior Division after a Penticton Win.
The Cents will make the journey home, and get set to host the Salmon Arm Silverbacks tomorrow night.
