Team plays and wins after death of assistant coach

A tragic story in the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League may have provided inspiration to the team most affected.

The league announced the death of Princeton Posse assistant coach Morton Johnston, who perished in a motor vehicle accident on Sunday, March 26.

The Posse received the news around 4:30 p.m. on Sunday prior to game six of the Okanagan-Shuswap conference final against the Revelstoke Grizzlies. The team made the decision to play in Johnston’s honour with the support and encouragement of his family.

The Posse ended up winning the game 2-1, taking the series four games to two.

The Princeton team, which had the most points in the regular season, will take on the Kimberly Dynamiters in the Teck Cup league final.

Prior to serving as a coach with his hometown team, Johnston, a Princeton product, also suited up for the Posse in 159 regular season games over four seasons from 2014-2018.

“He was a tenacious and energetic player and beloved teammate,” a news release from the league said of the 25-year-old.

The KIJHL offered its deepest sympathies the Johnston family, the Posse organization and the community of Princeton.