The Smithers Steelheads fell to the Quesnel Kangaroos 9-5 in a fast-paced, high-scoring game, despite home-ice advantage Oct. 12.
Quesnel's Kyle Gray opened the scoring just 3:37 into the first period, followed less than a minute later by teammate Jake Howard. The Kangaroos continued to dominate the period, adding two more goals before Smithers finally answered back, taking advantage of a powerplay at 16:13 with Jared Hansen scoring off the assist from Zach Terry. The period ended with Quesnel leading 4-1.
Early in the second, Smithers narrowed the gap 4-2 when Josh Gagnon scored with assists by Jason White and Kyle Donaldson. However, Quesnel soon responded, restoring their three-goal lead. Smithers continued to fight back, and Zach Terry added another goal, assisted by Hansen and White, making it 5-3.
Quesnel surged again late in the second period. Gray completed his hat-trick at 19:20, followed just 17 seconds later by a powerplay goal from Caleb Ellis, giving Quesnel a commanding 7-3 lead going into the final period.
Quesnel scored just 1:25 into the final frame, further extending their lead.
Smithers responded at 7:54 when Luke Sanders scored unassisted to bring the score to 7-4. Quesnel’s Gray answered again at 9:14 with his fourth goal of the game, making it 8-4. Smithers managed a final goal with Jason White scoring, assisted by Gagnon and Hansen, but it wasn’t enough to stop Quesnel from a 9-5 victory.
