The Kelowna Chiefs wrapped up their pre-Christmas schedule in fitting fashion on Friday.
Runaway leaders in the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League, the Chiefs downed the visiting Osoyoos Coyotes 5-2 for their 26th victory in 30 games and will enjoy a two-week break before resuming what appears to be a waltz to the playoff dance.
Defenceman Dylan Kent scored his sixth and seventh goals of the season in a 2-0 first period at the Rutland Arena to spark the Chiefs’ offence that included the winning goal by rearguard Liam Drager at 12:05 of the second period.
Brody Dale, the KI’s leading point-getter with 74 points in just 28 games, added a third-period marker to go along with his two assists on Kent's goals, while captain Tyler Love rounded out the Kelowna scoring.
The hosts dominated Osoyoos more than the score would indicate, outshooting the Coyotes 51-18 — with the help of seven powerplay opportunities (resulting in just one goal).
Goaltender Braeden Mitchell earned his 17th win of the season.
The next game for the Chiefs is Dec. 28 when they travel south of the border to take on the Spokane Braves. Their final home game of 2018 is set for Dec. 29 when they play host to the Columbia Valley Rockies.
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