The Princeton Posse advanced in the Kootenay International Hockey Junior League playoffs, beating Summerland 4-1 and sweeping the first round series, Wednesday, Feb. 22.

The Posse won four games in seven days and boasts an 18-8 series differential.

However, those numbers don’t tell the whole story.

Two games were decided by one goal, and Princeton had to chase victory through overtime to claim game three.

Wednesday night Summerland opened the scoring midway through the first frame, off the stick of Kent Moors, assisted by Cole Waldbillig and Sam Dixon.

The first period was thick with penalties – there were eight compared to none in the third – and Princeton, on the wrong end of five whistles, played much of the first 20 minutes shorthanded.

But after that it was all Posse.

Kassius Kler scored less than one minute into the second, assisted by Anmol Garcia, to tie the contest.

Garcha continued to lead the offensive charge, scoring twice with Ty Olsen and Brennan Watterson assisting respectively.

During the third period at least two Princeton players ended up in the Summerland net – along with the puck – and Tyson Horiachka was credited with the goal while Garcha earned another assist.

Garcha celebrated a four-point night and was the Star of the Game.

Waldbillig was the Game Star for Summerland.

Princeton now waits to see who they will face in the next round, the Bill Ohlhausen division final.

As of Thursday, Feb. 23 the North Okanagan Knights led the series against the Osoyoos Coyotes 3-1.

Those two teams were scheduled to play Friday.

Related: Princeton Posse wins Presidents Cup in overtime on home ice

Related: Posse wins 2-1 in overtime over Summerland in playoff battle

Do you have something to add to this story, or something else we should report on? Email:andrea.demeer@similkameenspotlight.com