The Cariboo Cougars’ quest for a second Mac’s Major Midget Hockey Tournament title in three years ended abruptly Saturday with a 5-4 overtime loss to the Belarus National Under 17 National Team.
After rallying from a two-goal deficit after 40 minutes to force the extra session, the Cougars were unable to find the go ahead goal. Demtri Savritski scored the winner for Belarus just five seconds into overtime.
Trey Thomas, Jarin Sutton, Tyler Maser and Hunter Floris scored for the Cougars. Zach Wickson and Marcus Allen split the goaltending duties for Cariboo.
After Belarus scored first, Thomas got the Cougars back on even terms assisted by Floris as the teams ended the opening period tied 1-1.
Belarus scored twice early in the second before Gervais set up Sutton to get Cariboo back within one. The Belarusians scored once more to take a 4-2 lead into the second intermission.
The Cougars, who came back in the third in their quarterfinal win earlier Saturday, came close to repeating the feat in the afternoon. Maser made it a one-goal game early in the period with an assist from Sutton.
Then Floris, who has recorded at least one point in the Cougars’ six tournament games, evened the score with 4:20 on the clock. Brennan Malgunas got the lone assist.
The Cougars finish the tournament with a 5-1 record.
