The Columbia Valley Rockies delivered holiday warmth on and off the ice Friday night, pairing a thrilling 3-2 overtime victory with their annual Sock and Mitten Drive in partnership with The Christmas Bureau of the Columbia Valley. Fans packed the Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena not only to cheer on their hometown squad, but also to support local families in need and they were rewarded with both community spirit and high octane Junior A hockey.
The Rockies wasted no time giving the home crowd something to cheer about. Midway through the first, Johnny Lozeman hammered home a power-play marker, finishing a crisp passing sequence from Harrison Todd and Ethan Cerone. But the visiting Merritt Centennials struck back with just 30 seconds left in the frame, sending the teams to the dressing rooms locked at 1-1.
The second period belonged to the Rockies’ special teams. On another man advantage opportunity Harrison Todd buried his own power play goal assisted by Carter Hensch and Mitchell DeCoste, restoring the lead and sending Columbia Valley into the second intermission up 2-1.
Merritt clawed back in the third, capitalizing on a rebound to even the score and force overtime setting the stage for a dramatic finish.
And it didn’t take long.
Just 25 seconds into the extra frame, the Rockies ended it. After a strong zone entry, Ethan Cerone found daylight and snapped the winner home, with Johnny Lozeman and Peter Godley drawing the assists. The barn erupted and the Rockies skated off with a well earned two points.
Head Coach Tucker Braund praised his club’s effort and highlighted their growing momentum: “I liked our game Friday against a big strong team from Merritt. We played a good team game and ultimately achieved our goal which was 2 points. We have 5 out of 6 points in our last 3 games, which is great, and we want to build off that. Our game isn’t perfect but in hockey it rarely is; we have to know as a group we have things to work on. Things the coaches have identified and work on those Monday to Thursday. We can build off the things we did well this weekend and continue to get better as a group. That’s the main thing for us: playing for the team and not for ourselves. The lone wolf will starve and the pack will eat. It’s sort of our mentality and I think that will pay off!”
With points in three straight outings, the Rockies look to keep the momentum rolling as they hit the road Tuesday for a key divisional matchup against Creston.
Next Home Game:
Friday, December 12 ULLR Takes Over the Stands Night! Tickets are on sale now on Showpass, and this game often sells out so don’t miss your chance to experience one of the most electric home games of the season, bring your energy, bring your horns and help pack the house for the Rockies!
