The Kelowna Chiefs battled to the end but ultimately took a first round exit from the KIJHL playoffs.

On Saturday in Penticton, the Summerland Steam edged the Chiefs 2-1 to take the best-of-seven Okanagan Division semifinal series four games to three.

Kelowna dominated the last two periods, outshooting the Steam 24-8, but couldn乌鸦传媒檛 get the equalizer against goaltender Matthew Huber.

乌鸦传媒淚t was very tough to lose that series as we were a better team and really couldn乌鸦传媒檛 have done more in Game 7 except score,乌鸦传媒� said Chiefs coach Jason Tansem. 乌鸦传媒淲e hemmed them in for the final two periods but couldn乌鸦传媒檛 find a way. Our room truly believed we were going to win through the entire 60 minutes.乌鸦传媒�

It was the second straight year the Steam has ousted the Chiefs from the first round of the postseason.

Laden with injuries and the loss of some key players, it was an up and down regular season for Kelowna (20-22-2-3) who finished in third spot in the Okanagan Division. By the time the playoffs rolled around, the Chiefs were healthy, rested and well-positioned for what Tansem hoped would be a long and successful run.

乌鸦传媒淥verall I was happy with the season,乌鸦传媒� Tansem said. 乌鸦传媒淥ur group developed into a very strong unit and didn乌鸦传媒檛 hesitate to play for each other.

乌鸦传媒淲e always faced true adversity with players out of the lineup and losing one of our top players (Brody Dale) at the deadline to the Vernon Vipers. Everyone stepped up to fill that void and we were confident heading into the playoffs.乌鸦传媒�

Of the Chiefs 10 top scorers in the playoffs, nine are eligible to return next season, along with two goaltenders.

The Chiefs will host their spring camp April 14 to 16 in Kelowna. Prospects can register online at