The Kelowna Summer Heat Tournament, running Aug. 5-7, lived up to its name with temperatures of over 30 C for some games.
The U14/15 boys brought their own heat winning their first game against Abbotsford 3-1 with an impressive hat trick scored by captain Dayton Smith-Hall, earning him the team MVP award as chosen by the Abbotsford team.
The next game versus the Kelowna Cobras was an exciting 2-2 tie at the end of regulation thanks to goals by Davis Franklin and assistant captain Wesley Fraser. The Storm lost the game in a close and intense shootout with the team MVP going to Fraser.
Next, in the sweltering heat, the Storm battled to a 4-1 win against North Delta with two goals by Austin Monical and a helper each from Fraser and Elijah Every. Monical was named MVP of game three.
The Storm ended the round robin in second place and got a chance to redeem themselves against the Kelowna Cobras in the final.
The Cobras scored right off the opening whistle in what must have been the fastest goal in the tournament.
The Storm tied it up just before the half with another goal by Fraser.
Both teams fought hard through the second half with several chances each until Fraser capitalized on an opportunity and sunk another goal to move ahead 2-1 which turned out to be the final score. Smith-Hall was awarded the team MVP for his solid play anchoring the defensive line.
A ‘Storm warning’ is in effect for Penticton on Aug. 12-14 and Chilliwack Aug. 26-28 when many of these players, as well as some other teammates, take to the field again.