The West Kelowna Warriors will play for their first Fred Page Cup against the Chilliwack Chiefs after a 3-2 overtime win over the Nanaimo Clippers in the final game of the third round at Royal LePage Place.
After the Clippers opened the scoring, Kylar Hope tied the game up on a wrap-around on the power play after a great effort at the red-line from Liam Blackburn knocked it down and got it over to Hope as he tucked it over the line past Evan Johnson.
Jonathan Desbiens retook the team playoff scoring lead as he was left all alone to walk out in front of Johnson and getting around him, depositing the puck into the corner of the net to give West Kelowna a 2-1 lead.
It would remain the same until the final minute of the second period, as a bad turnover allowed Sheldon Rempal to tie the game at two heading to the third.
The teams traded chances in the final period, but neither team could find the go-ahead goal as overtime was necessary.
The Warriors had the majority of the scoring chances in the overtime but there was a pair of solid opportunities for the Clippers on a scramble in front of the Warriors goal but neither team could capitalize.
As the final minute of the first OT loomed, Connor Sodergren got the puck to Hope and walked into the middle of the slot. He kept going around the net and was able to beat Johnson and the defender to the front of the net and sent off a crazy celebration in the stands and on the ice.
Rylan Ferster stated post game that “The West Kelowna Warriors would like to congratulate the Nanaimo Clippers on a very successful season and Island Division Title. To everyone in the Clippers organization from Mike Vandekamp and Blake Clement, throughout their entire lineup, we would like to wish them the best in their hockey futures. Congratulations on a hard fought third round.”
The Warriors will now take on the Chilliwack Chiefs for the Fred Page Cup, the BCHL Championship. Games 1 and 2 will be in Chilliwack on Friday and Saturday, while Games 3 and 4 will be in West Kelowna. Days and times will be announced tomorrow.
