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Loss-tie weekend for major midgets

Four points was the goal. The Cariboo Cougars had to settle for one. Entering a weekend doubleheader with the Okanagan Rockets, the Cougars were looking to continue their climb back to the top of the B.C. Hockey Major Midget League standings.

Four points was the goal. The Cariboo Cougars had to settle for one.

Entering a weekend doubleheader with the Okanagan Rockets, the Cougars were looking to continue their climb back to the top of the B.C. Hockey Major Midget League standings. But, a poor third period Saturday night in Kelowna led to a 5-3 setback. Then, on Sunday, the Cats and Rockets skated to a 1-1 draw.

With the results, the Cougars (20-9-3) failed to overtake the Vancouver Northwest Giants (21-8-3) for first place in the 11-team league. The Cats are now in a three-way tie for second place, two points back of the Giants. The Rockets (19-8-5) and Greater Vancouver Canadians (20-11-3) are the other clubs in the second-place grouping.

On Saturday, the Cougars dug themselves out of an early 2-0 hole and were ahead 3-2 going into the third period. Instead of showing some killer instinct against their opponent, the Cats got outworked in the final frame and surrendered three goals, one of them an empty-netter.

"The team that wanted it more was the team that ended up winning," said Cougars assistant coach James Morrison. "They came out and were all over us early and often.

"We did push back at times but I would say the Okanagan had the bulk of the scoring chances and the majority of the shots."

Morrison said goaltender Marcus Beesley was the main reason the Cougars even had a chance to win.

Tyson McCallum scored two of the Cariboo goals and Seb Lloyd had the other.

In Sunday's game, the Cougars moved into a 1-0 lead in the second period when Shaun Cormier drove hard to the net and was rewarded for his effort. But, about eight minutes later, the Rockets tied the score after some extended pressure inside the Cariboo blueline.

Beesley was back in the crease on Sunday and was solid again, blocking 28 of 29 shots. The Cougars fired 22 shots on the Okanagan net.

"The guys were happy to rebound (with a tie)," Morrison said.

"We knew it was going to be a big weekend because this (Rockets) team is very comparable to the way we play."

Mike Jorgensen, a 17-year-old Cariboo defenceman, said he and his teammates were much more intense in the rematch.

"We just worked harder for a better percentage of the game and we took it to them most of the time, unlike (Saturday)," he said.

For the doubleheader, the Cougars were missing forward Tyson Witala, who has a broken wrist and is still two weeks away from a return to the lineup. His spot was filled by Quesnel product Reilly Ferris.

"He's a fast, strong hockey player who uses his body very well and he fit in very well with our team," Morrison said of Ferris.

The Cougars will host the Thompson Blazers Saturday (7:15 p.m.) and Sunday (10 a.m.) at Kin 1. The contests are part of an eight-game homestand to end the regular season.

If the Cats finish first or second overall, they will secure an opening-round bye in playoffs.