The Major Midget Cariboo Cougars showed the Kootenay Ice why they are leading the BC Major Midget League with a pair of decisive 11-1 and 8-1 wins at the Cominco Arena on the weekend.
In Game 2 on Sunday, the Ice skated with the Cougars for a full two periods, and trailed just 2-1 before a third-period collapse unhinged them.
An unassisted goal by Tyler Van Steinburg put the Ice up 1-0 at the 5:40 mark of the first, but a second period goal from Chase Dubois and another from the BCMML scoring leader Austin Gray would prove the winner with just over four minutes to play in the middle frame.
The win puts the Cougars’ record at 11-2-1 for 23 points on the season, and a three point lead over the Vancouver Northwest Giants, at 10-2, while the Ice are mired in ninth spot with a 2-10 record.
The flood-gates opened in the final period as Cariboo came in waves, and despite some big saves from Ice goalie Solomon Burk, the Cougars would net six in the period for an 8-1 victory. Both Steve Jandric and Gray had four-point games, while Darren Hards added a goal and two helpers. Gray leads the league in scoring with 14 goals and 14 assists for 28 points in 13 games, while Jandric is right behind him with 8-17-25.
The Cougars eviscerated the Ice in the first game 11-1, going 4-for-9 on the power play, as the Ice became undisciplined at times and played short handed for almost a full period. Justin Almeida collected a hat trick for Cariboo, while Colton Thomas had a six-point night with two goals and four assists. Gray also scored twice with three assists, and Jandric netted a goal and three assists. Shawn Campbell scored for the Kootenay Ice.
The Kootenay Ice next travel to Victoria to play the 7-7 South Island Royals this weekend.