The Kamloops Blazers got off to a blistering start but were ultimately outmatched by the Brandon Wheat Kings, ending in a 6-3 defeat. Goals by JP Hurlbert, Tommy Lafreniere, and Josh Evascheson showcased Kamloops’ early fire, though it wasn’t enough to hold back the Wheat Kings on Thursday night.
Kamloops squanders early lead in Brandon as Wheat Kings rally to beat the Blazers (WHL)
Key Takeaways:
- Kamloops jumped to an early lead but couldn’t sustain it
- Brandon overcame the deficit to secure a 6-3 victory
- The Blazers’ goals came from JP Hurlbert, Tommy Lafreniere, and Josh Evascheson
- The game took place on Thursday night in Brandon
- The loss underscores a tough night despite a promising start
Early Momentum in Brandon
The Kamloops Blazers arrived in Brandon on Thursday night eager to seize control from the opening faceoff. In the early stages, they appeared unstoppable, pressing the Wheat Kings’ defense to gain the advantage on the scoreboard.
Turning of the Tide
Although Kamloops looked dominant at the outset, Brandon gradually found its footing. The Wheat Kings capitalized on Kamloops’ defensive lapses to reclaim momentum, breaking the Blazers’ early hold on the game.
Offensive Highlights for Kamloops
Kamloops managed three goals throughout the contest, showcasing notable performances despite the loss.
• JP Hurlbert scored his 11th goal of the campaign, a continued testament to his scoring prowess this season.
• Tommy Lafreniere tallied his seventh of the year, contributing depth to the Blazers’ offensive efforts.
• Josh Evascheson notched his third of the campaign, reflecting some promise for Kamloops despite the final outcome.
From Hot Start to Final Score
Rallying with goals that mounted against Kamloops’ defense, the Wheat Kings surged ahead, ultimately sealing a 6-3 victory. While the Blazers’ strong beginning hinted at an upset, Brandon’s response proved too formidable as the match progressed, underscoring the intensity of WHL competition on Thursday night.