Home ice is everything.
That’s according to Princeton Posse coach Mark Readman, who told the Spotlight this week the fan-power generated at the local rink cannot be underestimated.
“I really do think we have a one-of-a-kind type of environment,” said Readman, adding visiting teams find that space can be hostile and intimidating.
The Posse, with a 21-4 record heading into the Christmas break, has only lost one game in its own barn and routinely attracts 400 people to the stands.
“We are the entertainment on the weekend,” said Readman.
“Our boys absolutely thrive on what the community brings.”
Princeton scored another four-point weekend, with a hard-fought and hard-hitting battle against Castlegar Friday, Dec. 8, ending in a 4-2 decision.
The following night the team travelled to Osoyoos and bested the Coyotes 6-2, with Jonathan Ward earning a hat trick.
The team sits one point behind first place Sicamous Eagles in the league standings, with a game in hand.
Readman acknowledged the Posse has been hampered by losing key players to suspension, in recent play.
Captain Curtis Gould took a two-game time-out for a penalty, and on Friday against Castlegar Bryton Morrow was ejected from the game in the first two minutes, and handed his own two-game suspension.
“For sure it seems like it is happening too often this year,” said Readman, adding that players need to better “manage their emotions in some situations.”
Player safety is the most important thing, he stressed.
The Posse plays at home this coming weekend, Friday night against Kelowna and Saturday against the Revelstoke Grizzlies.
Readman said the latter game should be a battle royal, noting Revelstoke’s long history as one of the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League’s premier clubs.
Last year in the playoff semi-finals, the Posse ousted the Grizzlies.
“You want to be the top dog, you have to beat the top dog,” said Readman.
Game Summaries
Friday, Dec. 8
Princeton versus Castlegar, 4-2
Goal scorers: Jeffrey Stewart, Jaxon Black, Sidney Brill, Jonathan Ward (empty net).
Assists: Jace Shuttleworth, Brennan Watterson
Shots on net: 38 Princeton, 34 Castlegar
Goalie Gabe Osmond made 32 saves and was named Princeton’s game star
Saturday, Dec. 9
Princeton versus Osoyoos 6-2
Goal scorers: Ward (3), Vinay Junek, Ty Russell, Jace Shuttleworth.
Assists: Ward (2), Justice Loewen (2), Stewart, Carson Hebert, Lucas Sadownyk.
Shots on net: Princeton 34, Osoyoos 31
Goalie Nathan Preston made 32 saves.
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