BLAZERS SETTLE FOR A POINT IN TRI-CITY

The Kamloops Blazers came into Tri-City and fell 3-2 to the Americans in overtime Saturday night. The Americans started quick in this one as they had chances early but goaltender Cole Cheveldave was up to the task. The Ams were given a 5-on-3 power play and made three terrific passes to convert for their first goal and a 1-0 lead. The Ams scored another goal as Malte Stromwall stole the puck from a Blazers defender and went in on a breakaway beating Cheveldave five hole for a 2-0 lead. The Americans outshot the Blazers 14-4 and had a 2-0 lead after the first period.

The second period had the Blazers pushing back. Both teams had chances in the period but could not score. The Americans goaltender Ty Rimmer was also up to task stoning Brendan Ranford in tight in the period.

The Blazers made a comeback in the third period. After Rimmer had stopped Ranford on a partial break, Chase Schaber found the back of the net early on the power play and the Blazers trailed 2-1. Tim Bozon was set up on a breakaway shortly after, but Rimmer was solid in making the save to preserve a 2-1 lead. The Blazers, who continued to get stronger as the game carried on, earned a lucky one. Matt Needham through a puck at the net after his linemates Ryan Hanes and Cole Ully pressured the goaltender. The puck hit a body and bounced in to tie the game 2-2. Both teams had chances towards the end of the period, but overtime was needed.

Bronson Maschmeyer and Mason Wilgosh traded minor penalties with two seconds remaining in regulation which meant the first 1:58 of overtime was played as 3-on-3. The Americans got the first two on one and converted as Derek Ryckman took the intial shot, but Justin Feser was on the door step to tap it in for a 3-2 win for the Americans. Goaltenders Cole Cheveldave and Ty Rimmer were excellent in a highly entertaining game. Both teams finished 1-for-6 on the power play.

The Blazers earned three of a possible four points on their short two game road trip. Next up, the hockey club hosts the Kootenay Ice on Wednesday, November 23rd.

GAME SUMMARY