Shea Van Olm scores in the 1st period in an eventual 10-6 loss to Prince George on New Years Eve/via WHL
A depleted Kamloops Blazers squad didn’t ring out 2022 as hoped, but still comes into the new year with a healthy lead at the top of the BC Division.
Prince George took advantage of a Blazers team with a couple of key injuries, as well as a couple of key components taking Team Canada – earlier in the day – into the World Junior quarter-finals, going down to the Cougars 10-6.
Missing both Matthew Seminoff and Fraser Minten to injuries, as well as Logan Stankoven and Caedan Bankier to the World Juniors, the Blazers started out strong.
After an early PG goal, Shea Van Olm equalized around 7 minutes into the first.
Harrison Brunicke then scored his first WHL goal less than 2 minutes later to give the Blazers a 2-1 lead.
However, it went downhill from there.
The Cougars would respond with two of their own late in the 1st to give Prince George the 3-2 lead after 1.
Despite a Daylan Kuefler marker in the 2nd, the Cougars would add three of their own, taking a 6-3 lead into the 3rd.
Seven goals between the two sides in the 3rd, including markers from Kyle Masters, Logan Bairos and Connor Levis, didn’t go Kamloops’ way, giving Prince George the 10-6 win.
Point night in PG. 10-6 final score. Teams combine for eight goals in the 3rd period. All four goaltenders play.
PP's combine for six goals. Shots 35-33 KAM.— Jon Keen (@JonKeenNLSports) January 1, 2023
Michael Schnattinger takes the loss, despite being pulled after 40 minutes for Dylan Ernst, who finished out the game for the Blazers.
Kamloops gets a few days to recover before playing host to Everett on January 4th.
Even with the setback, the Blazers still find themselves in a healthy lead in the BC Division, while still in the hunt for the top of the Conference.
