Despite an early lead, the Summerland Steam lost to the Osoyoos Coyotes in a 7-4 decision on Tuesday evening.
The game, at the Summerland Arena, was the third in the Okanagan/Shuswap Conference Division Final in the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League.
Calvin Hadley of the Steam opened scoring with an unassisted goal at 18:03 in the first period.
The Coyotes responded with a power play goal at 10:55, scored by Daniel Stone and assisted by Bobby LaRue.
A short-handed Coyotes goal at 6:07 cemented the lead for Osoyoos. The goal was scored by Stone with assists by Drew Carter and Rainer Glimpel.
The second period opened with an Osoyoos goal at 19:51. The goal was scored by Glimpel, unassisted.
Josh Pilon of the Steam narrowed the gap with a power play goal at 16:49. Adam Jones and Braden Eliuk assisted.
The Coyotes responded with two goals in quick succession.
Hunter Johnson scored at 12:47, assisted by Levi Morin. Then, at 12:41, Judd Repole added an unassisted goal.
The Coyotes added a power play goal at 9:21. The goal was scored by Reid Wilson and assisted by Carter and Cody Allen.
In the third period, Summerland picked up steam as Pilon scored on a power play at 18:41. Jack Mills had the assist.
Andrew York of the Steam added another goal at 14:57, with assists by Cole Williams and Eliuk.
The Coyotes’ final goal came at 1:11 in the third period when Carter Shannon scored an unassisted empty net goal.
The next game in the best of seven series is on Wednesday, March 9 in Summerland. The game begins at 7:30 p.m.
Then, on Saturday, March 12, the Steam will travel to Osoyoos for the fifth game of the series. Game time is 8:35 p.m.
If necessary, the sixth game will be in Summerland on Sunday, March 13 at 6:30 p.m. The seventh game, if necessary will be in Osoyoos on Monday, March 14 at 7:35 p.m.
The Coyotes lead the best of seven series 2-1
In regular season play, the Coyotes finished in first place in their division while the Steam were in second place.