Game 41: Detroit Falcons vs Kelowna Knights
Score: Detroit 1 - Kelowna 2

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The game was a low scoring affair between two evenly matched teams. This was a game marred with controversy. Both the first and second goal by the Knights are highly controversial, but were called goals anyway. It took until the last 5 minutes of the game for a deciding goal to be scored by the Knights in controversial fashion. The Falcons desperately tried to claw back to a tie, producing plenty of quality opportunities, however they fell short.

1st Period

The first period featured one of the three goals. It came of great shot from the bottom of the circle by Viktor Nerokov at 7:40 into the first period. Nerokov’s chance came after the Falcons worked the pucked around in the Knights end for a while. The play started with the puck being carried into the zone by Zach Evans. Evans promptly lost the puck, however it was picked back up by Jari Sinnika. Sinnika wheeled the puck behind the net and into the opposite corner then fired a pass back to the blue line Prince Daniel James. James corralled the puck, took a look around, then fired it back across the blue line to Evans. By this time all of the Falcons and Knights have set up in the Knights end. Evans fired a shot on goal, but it hit the shin pad of Knights defender, Cara Hohenburg. The puck deflected right onto the stick of Nerokov, waiting at the bottom of the circle. Nerokov fired right over the blocker of Jason Aitokallio and into the back of the net, putting the Falcons up 1-0.


Nerokov’s goal at 7:40 into the first period

2nd Period

The second period featured the same amount of action in the goal scoring column as the first, however this time in the Knights favour. This goal came 2:09 into the period on the penalty kill. It was Dieter Dominique’s 7th goal of the season. This goal featured play by three of the Knights top players, Shirobokov, Justice, and, obviously, Dominique. The puck was brought into the zone by veteran Fedor Shirobokov. Shirobokov then dished it off to Justice, who made a fancy pass into the corner for Dominique. After a couple more passes between the veterans, the puck found it’s way back to Dominique. Dominique had some speed coming across the ice. The Falcons goalie went down Dominique was easily able to shoot it in. There is some controversy over this goal as apparently Dominique’s skate was in the crease, but the it was called a goal anyway.


Dominique’s goal at 2:09 into the second period

3rd Period/Overtime

The third period featured another controversial, this time scored by Michael Burrows at 16:48 into the period. Burrows skated up the left side of the ice and dumped the puck into the far corner, as he continued around behind the net. The puck took a weird bounce off a stanchion and deflected behind the net to an unsuspecting Burrows. Burrows barely had time to react and got a foot on it. The puck bounced straight upwards off Burrows skate, over the net and hit the McSieve in the back before ending up in the net. The play went straight to review to look at if Burrows kicked the puck. After a long 10-minute review it was determined to be a good goal, putting the Knights up 2-1. The Knights were able to hang on to this controversial lead the rest of the way, giving them a big win over the Falcons.


Burrows’ goal at 16:48 into the third period

Three Stars
3: Viktor Nerokov: 1G, +1, 4S
Nerokov was the only player on the ice able to beat Aitokallio tonight. Without him the Falcons wouldn’t have even had a chance to win the game. This earned him third star of the game.

2: Dieter Dominique: 1G, +1, 2S
Dieter scored the short handed goal that allowed the Knights to tie up the game. He opened the score sheet for the Knights, and like usual played an important role for his team. This earned him second star of the game.

1: Jason Aitokallio: 95.5SV%, 1GA
Aitokallio had a big game for the Knights, allowing only one goal on 22 shots. He stole this stole game with some big saves at key moments in the game. He was awarded first star for his effort.