The Columbia Valley Rockies returned to form this past weekend, securing a four-point sweep with a pair of gritty, high scoring wins over divisional rivals. The Rockies not only spoiled a home opener in Kimberley on Friday night but also sent the Creston Valley Thundercats packing on Saturday with a strong finish at home.
Friday Night Fireworks in Kimberley Rockies Win 9–7
The Rockies rolled into Kimberley for the Dynamiters’ much anticipated home opener and left the crowd stunned, clawing back from multiple deficits to post a wild 9–7 victory.
After trailing 3–1 at the end of the first period, with Chance Kole netting the lone Rockies goal (assists to Carter Velker and Jack Miller), the second frame saw a shift in momentum. Goals from Ethan Cerone (Carter Hensch assisting) and Peter Godley (assists to Johnny Lozeman and Hensch) brought the Rockies within striking distance, ending the second period down just one at 4–3.
The third period exploded offensively for Columbia Valley as they buried six goals in a dominant stretch. Carter Velker opened the onslaught (from Peter Godley and Daniel Betcher), followed by tallies from Cole King (Easton Doan and Brady Disley), Godley again (Isaac Sommer and Doan), Lukas Masters (Velker), Jack Miller (Hensch and Masters), and a final insurance goal by Velker (Doan) to seal the 9–7 comeback win.
Saturday Statement Rockies Down Thundercats 5–4 at Home
Back at home the next night, the Rockies carried their offensive momentum into a strong start against the Creston Valley Thundercats; jumping out to a 3–1 lead in the first.
Peter Godley led the way, opening the scoring with help from Lukas Masters and Ethan Cerone. He followed up shortly after with an unassisted marker before Johnny Lozeman capped the first period surge (assisted by Masters and Hensch).
Creston clawed back in the second, eventually tying the game in the third. But Cerone regained the lead for the Rockies with a key goal assisted by Godley. With the score tied late, it was again Peter Godley who delivered, scoring the eventual game-winner off feeds from Daniel Betcher and Cerone to lock in a 5–4 win.
Coach Sincennes Reflects on Weekend Success
Rockies Head Coach Tayler Sincennes praised his team’s resilience and preparation following the back-to-back wins:
“Obviously it was a big weekend for us to get back to .500 hockey,” said Sincennes. “I thought we had a really competitive week in practices that prepared the guys for the weekend. Friday showed the resolve of our group. Obviously giving up 7 isn’t ideal, but we came back down 2 on three different times and played ourselves into winning a funky hockey game. Saturday we came out of the gates fast and gave ourselves a head start which paid off in the third. Overall, we need to work on some defensive details, but I’m glad to see the offense come to life in both games.”
Looking Ahead
With a 4 point weekend in the books and momentum on their side, the Columbia Valley Rockies are back in the win column and looking to build on their balanced scoring and renewed confidence. Fans can expect plenty of action as the team continues to tighten up defensively while unleashing their potent offense.
Written by Brett Holt
