The Whitehorse New Age Drilling Warriors almost let it get away from them.
After taking a two-goal lead, the Warriors let the Fort Nelson Outlaws push the final to overtime in the Kiki Karnival Recreational Hockey Tournament in Watson Lake.
It made no difference.
The Whitehorse team downed the visiting B.C. squad 6-5 in overtime on Sunday.
“It was a hard-fought game. We played smart, moved it around lots and concentrated on defence more,” said Warriors centre Ian Kuster.
Going into overtime, “I knew we had a good chance. I drew a penalty right at the end (of the third period). So what we did was play it smart, not rush it, and came out on top.”
Warriors Tim Macintosh got with the game-winner, assisted by Chris Vance, a minute and a half into overtime on a four-on-three rush. Macintosh went upstairs glove-side.
Warriors’ Shaun Roberts, Shawn Kolak and Daniel Cletheroe each had a goal and assist in the final. Vance had two assists.
“It was a good battle - for both sides,” said Outlaws centre Aaron Dendys. “I think we played well as a team, just a little bit of penalty troubles. We could have tried to get more shots, and that’s about it.”
The Outlaws was the only team that defeated the Warriors in the tournament, which included teams from Dease Lake, Lower Post and Watson Lake.
The Warriors lost 4-2 to the Outlaws in their second game of the tournament.
“I think, more or less, that it was just playing in the morning,” said Kolak. “Everyone was pretty tired from the road. Both games were pretty close. I think we had more drive in the final.”
The Warriors, who finished third in Watson Lake last year, are currently tied for third in the A Division of the Whitehorse Rec League. The team plans to play in the Yukon Native Hockey Tournament next month.
“It was basically our team from the rec league, we just picked up a couple players,” said Kolak.
The hosting Watson Lake Wolf Pack captured the bronze with a 6-3 win over the Dease Lake Rams.
Wolf Pack’s Will Rickson had two goals, including the game-winner, while teammate Xavier Levash had two goals and an assist. Steve Munony had a goal and three assists for Watson Lake in the bronze game.
- With notes by Jesse Winter
Contact Tom Patrick at
tomp@yukon-news.com