Posse Post Season End In First Round

Submitted by W. George Elliott

Copyright 2018 Similkameen Gazette

Used by Permission

Posse Post Season Ends In First Round

  Princeton Posse earned the fourth and final playoff berth in the Okanagan Division of the Okanagan/Shuswap Division of the KIJHL. It was their first post-season appearance since the 2014/15 season and the first round of playoffs put them against long-time rivals Osoyoos Coyotes. The Coyotes won the first two games in the best of seven series at home with scores of 7-3 and 2-1.

  Game #3 was hosted by Princeton on February 26 and was the first home game for the Posse since February 2 – the regular season ended with five road games. The Coyotes set the tone early scoring their first goal just 27-seconds into the first period. The credit went to Carter Shannon with assists awarded to Judd Repole and Brock Marple. They book-ended the period with another goal with just 38-seconds to play. Carter Shannon scored that one with help from Sunil Sahota. The Coyotes had a 2-0 lead after 20-minutes and had out-shot Princeton 12-8.

  The second period saw the Posse score at 17:10 on the power play. Chad Kimmie got the marker. Assists were awarded to Jonathan Lee and Drew Carter. The period was far more interesting from the perspective of the stats team who recorded 12 penalties in the frame with a short dust-up taking place with 3-seconds to play that earned Princeton’s Justin Fodchuk three penalties totaling 17-minutes.

  The third period was a little less exciting with Osoyoos making it a 3-1 game just 58-seconds into the frame. The power play goal was scored by Cody Allen who had help from Judd Repole and Carter Shannon. Then things got a little funky. A team penalty was called at 17:42 against Princeton which resulted in a penalty shot. Carter Shannon sailed in from centre ice, dipped to the right and then back in front of Posse goalie Bobby Milligan where he popped a shot through an opening on the stick side of the net. Princeton responded at 9:00 on the power play. Morton Johnston scored with help from Jonathan Lee and Drew Carter. It put some life back into the home team and got the crowd excited. Princeton pulled their goalie for an extra man and Osoyoos made several short-handed attempts to get a shot on goal but the Posse kept them away. Well, until Nick Nordstrom dropped a light backhander into the empty net from a pass from Judd Repole with 22-seconds left to play.

  Final Score: Osoyoos 5, Princeton 2. Shots on Goal: Osoyoos 36, Princeton 34.

  Game #4 was the following evening, February 27. This game saw a slightly different Princeton Posse on ice. They were somewhat more physical, organized and methodic in their play making. However, Osoyoos scored first at 10:11 (Judd Repole from Carter Shannon and Colin Bell). The home team tied the game shortly thereafter at 8:16. Lane French ripped a blast at the Coyote net that likely burned a hole in the netting once it stopped spinning. Assists went to Chad Kimmie and Noah Brusse. The Coyotes knocked the wind out of Princeton’s sails 28-seconds later with another goal. Carter Shannon got credit with assistance coming from Judd Repole and Levi Lambert. Osoyoos made it a 3-1 game with one more goal with 1:39left on the clock. Hunter Johnson got that one with assists awarded to Jackson Barrett and Brandon Onstein.

  The second period saw Princeton score at 15:31 (Chad Kimmie from Morton Johnston and Lane French). Five minutes later Osoyoos added an unassisted goal by Hunter Johnson.

  The final period was action-packed and saw many amazing plays, saves and very little horseplay. In fact, the loneliest person in Princeton Arena during this game was the penalty box attendant who saw very few visits during this game. Officiating drew several comments from the crowd but considering the circumstances – the home team down 3 games in the series and trailing 4-2 in this game – it probably made some sort of logical sense. Princeton did score with 10-seconds to play after pulling their goalie for an extra man but it was clearly too late to save the series. The power play goal was scored by Lane French who had been aided by Chad Kimmie and Morton Johnston.

  Final Score: Osoyoos 4, Princeton 3. Shots on Goal: Osoyoos 32, Princeton 30.

  Osoyoos wins the first round best of seven 4-0. After the game, both teams lined up and shook hands. Several players on both sides added hugs and words of encouragement or congratulations. Coaching staff, included. Following that, Posse players showed little interest in leaving the arena choosing instead to hang around and support each other on what could only be described as a sad end to their otherwise incredible season of hockey.