The Broken Hearts Club

No, it's not the romantic comedy movie from about 10 year ago... this would be the tale of the Kamloops Blazers.

More than any teen-age girl or country music song, the Blazers have had more than their share of heartbreak this season.

It's those late goals that hurt the most. The ones that snatch defeat in the jaws of victory, those goals where your heart hits the floor and you can't help but slump in your seat. If you've been around sports, you know exact feeling I'm talking about.

For the Blazers, that feeling has been more than prevalent this season. Here's a quick synopsis or autopsy if you will...

December 15th - Portland 5 Blazers 4

The Blazers only dress nine forwards and battle the Conference leading Winterhawks all night long in the Rose Garden. Brendan Ranford's goal with just over five minutes to play in the 2nd period knots the game at 4-4.

The teams play a back-and-forth brand in the third period. A late penalty vs the Blazers put the Hawks on the PP. Sven Bartschi's goal on the ensuing PP with 3:39 to play in regulation would be the game winner.

December 17th - Prince George 3 Blazers 2

It's the final weekend before the Christmas break and the Blazers and Cougars are playing the first of two games in PG. Tied late in the 3rd period, it appears the two teams are headed for overtime.

A turnover just inside of the Blazer blueline in the final minute and a shot by Greg Fraser that gets through G Jeff Bosch gives the Cougars the go-ahead goal with just :27 seconds to play.

Ouch.

February 2nd - Everett 3 Blazers 2

A crucial Western Conference game has the Blazers hosting the Everett Silvertips at ISC. The Blazers are outshooting and outchancing the 'Tips who are hanging in there but get better as the game progresses.

Tied 2-2 in the third period, Tyler Maxwell gets room and space on a late PP and wires one upstairs on Bosch with 3:31 to play. Game-over.

February 12th - Vancouver 3 Blazers 2 - Whitehorse, YK

It's the Hockey Day in Canada game and the Blazers appear to be trying to get the game to overtime tied 2-2 in the third period. The Giants are coming on. They aren't content to sit back and play for OT.

Tied 2-2, the Giants are pressing. A deflected shot by Brendan Gallagher with just 2:45 to play in the third period proves to be the winner.

March 8th - Tri-City 5 Blazers 4

Last night, the Blazers and the Americans engage in a highly entertaining game that get's better as the games go on.

Tied 3-3 early in the third, the teams swap goals midway through. First Tyler Schmidt at 9:55 followed by Bronson Maschmeyer's tying goal just 1:10 later. The teams would continue to get scoring chances into the final minute.

On a 2-on-2 rush, Justin Feser's shot from the left circle gets through an outstretched glove of Jeff Bosch with :55 seconds to play. 5-4 final.

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What will the last four games of the season hold? Of course the ultimate heartbreak would be missing the playoffs. It's up to the Blazers to avoid that.

Jon