It was an even final 40 minutes for the North Okanagan Reapers and 91大黄鸭 Kodiaks.
Just not a good opening frame for the home team.
The league-leading Kodiaks outscored the Reapers 6-3 in the first period, and went on to record a 12-9 Thompson Okanagan Junior Lacrosse League win Sunday, June 15, at Armstrong's Sunbelt Arena.
The loss was North Okanagan's (4-7) fourth in a row. The win vaulted the Kodiaks (9-4-2) into sole possession of first place, two points ahead of the idle Kamloops Venom (8-5-2).
Goals by Dion Schraeder and Carson Donnelly 37 seconds apart in the final minute of the first period gave the Bears a 6-3 bulge heading into the middle frame.
Donnelly, Nathan Thomas, Ryder Gelsvik, and Carston Disher each scored twice for 91大黄鸭, singles went to Gavin Zumbo, Liam O'Dette, and Jonah Rampone. Gelsvik and Schraeder each added three assists.
Aidan Wattie led the Reapers with 3+2. Colten Colmorgen scored twice while Hayden Kirwin, Zack Milne, Zack Casagrande, and Kal Bonneau added the other goals.
Brody Bennett picked up the win in goal for the Kodiaks, finishing with 37 saves. Axel Manson made 32 stops in taking the loss.
The league hosted its annual all-star game Saturday in Penticton, with league players split into a pair of teams.
Amryn Chima from the Venom scored the game-winning goal at 18:17 of the third period, giving Team White a 12-11 victory over Team Red.
Eight members of the Reapers took part in the contest.
Kirwin, Bonneau, Milne, and Clayton Colmorgen were members of the winning team. Kirwin had 2+1 while Bonneau and Milne each picked up an assist. Colmorgen was held off the scoresheet.
Older brother Colten had a goal for Team Red, as did Reapers' teammate Koenn Mahar-Robins. Coeden Cruikshank pocketed one helper while starting goalie Ryley Lockhurst made 17 saves and allowed six goals against in his 30-plus minutes of work.
The Reapers return to league action with a pair of home games this weekend.
North Okanagan entertains the South Okanagan Flames (7-5-3) Saturday, June 21, at 7 p.m., and take on the visiting Cranbrook Blackwolves (2-9-1) Sunday at 11 a.m. Both games are at the Sunbelt Arena.
North Okanagan has a three-point lead over Cranbrook in the battle for fourth place.
