The Sicamous Novice Predators held their annual tournament on Jan. 20-21 at the Sicamous Rec Centre.
Ten teams from throughout the Okanagan attended and the hockey was outstanding.
The Sicamous Predators played the Lumby Rock Stars in their first game on Friday night. The Predators were looking to avenge an early-season loss to Lumby in their earlier league game in November. The Predators jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first period on goals by Sidney Watson, Colton Fleming and Korbin Forsyth. Sidney Watson would score her second goal of the game late in the second period, and goalie Noah Sutherland would make some great saves to keep Lumby off the scoreboard.
The third period was scoreless and Sicamous skated away with a decisive 4-0 win.
The Predators’ second game was against Merritt Warriors on Saturday morning. Merritt had two very good players that the Sicamous defence had some difficulties shutting down. Merritt scored two goals in the first period to take a 2-0 lead. Sidney Watson scored late in the second period to bring Sicamous within one goal. Sicamous defencemen, Korbin Forsyth and Madison Dewitt worked very hard keeping the strong Merritt offence in check. Merritt scored three more goals in the third period and won the game 5-1, ending the Predators’ winning streak at 6 games.
Sicamous’ third game was against the West Kelowna Thunder. The Predators centre Scott Rokosh opened the scoring eight seconds into the game on a beautiful pass from Alex Dunnett. West Kelowna tied the game five minutes later, before Korbin Forsyth scored for Sicamous to restore the one-goal lead. Score after one period: Sicamous 2 – West Kelowna 1.
In the second period, Colton Fleming and Madison Dewitt scored and Sicamous led 4-1 after two periods. Scott Rokosh scored his second goal early in the third period and Alex Dunnett, assisted by Madison Dewitt, completed the scoring for Sicamous.
West Kelowna scored two late goals, but Sicamous held on for a 6-4 win.
Final tournament standings:
1st: Kelowna Tigers – 3 wins, 0 losses; 2nd: Merritt Warriors – 2 wins, 1 tie; 3rd: Revelstoke Jr. Grizzlies –2 wins, 1 loss; 4th: Sicamous Predators – 2 wins, 1 loss.
The Novice Predators would like to thank all of the parents, grandparents and families that helped with the tournament and supported the team – there were many positive comments from the out-of-town teams and by all reports, the kids had a very fun tournament and are anxious to return.