The Kitimat Ice Demons’ much-anticipated season opener on Sept. 28 ended in disappointment, as they lost 4-3 in overtime to the Smithers Steelheads at Kitimat’s Tamitik Arena. Despite leading for much of the game, Kitimat couldn’t hold off a late comeback by Smithers. The defeat is especially bitter after the Ice Demons finished last in the league last year.
Kitimat began the game with high energy, hoping to turn the page on last year’s performance. Late in the first period, Jake Rovinson gave the home crowd something to cheer about by scoring the opening goal with an assist from Jordan Sheasgreen. But the Ice Demons’ lead was short-lived, as Smithers equalized just 60 seconds later.
Kitimat controlled the second period, pulling ahead 3-1 with two unanswered goals. Craig Hewitson scored the second, assisted by Chris Vilness, and Derek Wakita added the third, unassisted.
However, the Steelheads were relentless in the third period, scoring twice to tie the game. Smithers' Kodi Schwarz and Cole Rennie found the back of the net, with Schwarz assisting on all three goals. In overtime, Jonathan Creswell sealed Kitimat’s fate with a goal at 4:37, again assisted by Schwarz, marking his third assist of the night.
Wakita's goal put him two points away from his 200th in his CIHL Career.
The Ice Demons next face off against the Prince Rupert Rampage Oct. 5 in Kitimat.
